






Commodore Thomas Macdonough 



U. S. NAVY 



MODNEY MaCDONOUGH 






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Commodore Thomas Macdonough, U. S. Naw 

(From the portrait by Gilbert Stuart) 



LIFE 



OF 



Commodore Thomas Macdonough 

U. S. NAVY 



BY . 



' .* 



RODNEY MACDONOUGH 



2Hjp Sfnrt ^Ul %rtBB 

Samuel Usher 
176 high street, boston, mass. 



LtaRftRY 01 CONGRESS 

MAK 30 laoj 

CLASS LV vv 






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Copyright, 1909 
by Rodney Macdonough 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE 



In preparing this volume free use has been made of 
the collection of papers left by Commodore Mac- 
donough, and now owned by the author. One of the 
most interesting of these is his autobiography, which 
covers the period from 1800, when he entered the navy, 
through 1822, and is published in full. The other 
papers consist of several hundred letters, orders, re- 
ports, etc., some of them personal, but most of them 
official. Among the signatures on these papers are 
those of Perry, Hull, Bainbridge, Porter, Chauncey, 
Stewart, Rodgers and other well known naval officers 
of that time. 

The official records in the Navy and the Treasury 
Departments at Washington naturally furnished much 
interesting and valuable information. Original docu- 
ments have been consulted and used whenever prac- 
ticable. 

Rodney Macdonough. 

February ii, 1909. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 

PAGE 

Macdonough's ancestors — Thomas, of county Kil- 
dare, Ireland — James, the emigrant — Thomas, 
the Revolutionary soldier — The family home in 
Delaware IJ 

CHAPTER II 

Commodore Macdonough's Autobiography 

1800-1822 
Enters the navy — War with France — Joins the 
Ganges — Cruise to the West Indies against the 
French — War with Tripoli — Ordered to the Con- 
stellation — Cruise in the Mediterranean — Returns 
to the United States and is ordered to the Phila- 
delphia for Mediterranean service — Providential es- 
cape from the fate of the officers and crew of the 
Philadelphia — Joins the Enterprise — Participates 
in the burning of the Philadelphia and in the opera- 
tions before Tripoli — Peace with Tripoli — Returns 
to the United States — Ordered to Middletown, 
Ct. — Attached to various vessels — Voyage in 
the merchant service — War with England — 
Ordered to the Constellation and then to Portland, 
Me. — Takes command of the naval force on Lake 
Champlain — Operations in the Fall of 181 2 — The 
year 18 13 on the lake — Preparations in the Spring 
of 1 8 14 — The engagement of September n, 18 14 — 
Criticizes the Eagle for shifting her position during 
the action — Directed to command the navy yard at 



CONTENTS 

PAGB 

Portsmouth, N. H. — Ordered to the Guerriere — 
Conveys our Minister to Russia and then joins the 
Mediterranean squadron — Relieved of his com- 
mand by order of Commodore Stewart — Returns to 
the United States — Directed to resume command of 
the Guerriere — Declines and is given the Ohio 74 — 
Returns to Middletown — Journeys through the state 
of New York and down the St. Lawrence River to 
Quebec -o 

CHAPTER III 

1 7S5-1S01 

Condition of the navy at close of the Revolution — 
Algiers preys on our commerce — The birth of a new 
navy — Peace with Algiers — Trouble with France 
— Xavy increased — Hostilities with France — Our 
naval force in 1S00 — Macdonough's youth — 
Influences which governed his choice of a profes- 
sion — A midshipman's life — His ration, uniform 
and prize money — Peace with France — Naval 
peace establishment S3 

CHAPTER IV 

180 1— 1803 

Our relations with the Rarbary Powers — A squadron 
of observation sent to the Mediterranean — A second 
squadron sent to the same sea — Macdonough's cruise 
in the Constellation — His first encounter with the 
Tripolitans 47 

CHAPTER V 

[803—1804 

Light vessels built for use before Tripoli — Commo- 
dore Preble ordered to the Mediterranean — His 
force — Macdonough ordered to the Philadelphia — 
Arrival at Gibraltar — Capture of the Moorish vessel 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Meshboha — Macdonough placed on board the prize 
— Commodore Preble arrives at Gibraltar — Pro- 
ceeds to Tangiers — The Meshboha ordered to Tan- 
giers and released — Three of the Philadelphia's 
men desert from the Moorish prize while lying at 
Gibraltar — Midshipmen Morris and Macdonough 
sent on shore to get them — Experience of the two 
American officers on board the English frigate 
Medusa — Macdonough joins the Constitution — 
Learns of the loss of the Philadelphia — Is trans- 
ferred to the Enterprise — Beginning of friendship 
with Decatur — Commodore Preble reconnoitres 
Tripoli — Result of his observations — The Phila- 
delphia — Plans for her destruction — The Intrepid 
sails from Syracuse and arrives off Tripoli — Attack 
delayed by gale — Decatur enters the harbor and sets 
fire to the prize — Destruction of the Philadelphia 
and escape of the Intrepid 58 

CHAPTER VI 

1S04-1806 

Incident at Messina — Operations before Tripoli — 
Macdonough wins his commission — Sad fate of the 
Intrepid — Commodore Preble superseded by Com- 
modore Barron — Peace with Tripoli — Macdonough 
joins the Siren — Returns to the United States . . 72 

CHAPTER VII 

1806-1812 

Condition of the navy following the War with Tripoli — 
Macdonough visits his home in Delaware — Ordered 
to Middletown, Ct., under Captain Hull — Ordered 
to the Wasp — Joins the John Adams and then the 
Essex — Takes charge of gunboats in Connecticut 
and Long Island — Furloughed to make voyage in 
merchant service — Correspondence with Secretary 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



of the Navy regarding another furlough — Confirmed 
by Bishop Chase — War declared against Great 
Britain — Applies for service — Ordered to the 
Constellation — Takes command of gunboats at 
Portland, Me. — Letter from Captain Bainbridge — 
Ordered to command the naval force on Lake Cham- 
plain 87 

CHAPTER VIII 

1S12-1S13 

Lake Champlain — Its early wars — Difficulties en- 
countered by our lake commanders — American 
naval force on Lake Champlain at beginning of the 
war — Macdonough prepares it for service — Sup- 
ports General Dearborn in movement to the north — 
Goes into winter quarters at Shelburne, Vt. — His 
marriage — Enters the lake in Spring of 1S13 — 
Loss of the Growler and Eagle — Report of Sailing 
Master Loomis. commanding the Eagle — Mac- 
donough directed to regain ascendency on the lake — 
Prepares another force at Burlington — The British 
land at Plattsburg and threaten Burlington — Ameri- 
can force re-enters the lake — Macdonough declines 
to co-operate in a joint attack on Isle aux Xoix — 
Supports General Hampton in his attempted invasion 
of Canada — Goes into winter quarters at Vergennes, 
Vt 106 

CHAPTER IX 

1S14 

Vergennes as a naval base — British lay down a brig at 
Isle aux Xoix — Battery at Rouse's Point contem- 
plated — Reports concerning increase in enemy's 
naval strength — The Saratoga launched at Ver- 
gennes — Apprehended appearance of British on the 
lake — Vermont militia called out — Batterv erected 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

at mouth of Otter Creek — Enemy enter the lake — 
Attack on Otter Creek battery repulsed — The 
American force — Difficulty in fitting it out and 
manning it — Good wishes from Perry and Hull — 
Our squadron enters the lake — British build a ship 
and we btiild a brig — Enemy blockaded in Riche- 
lieu River — Exchange of courtesies between Mac- 
donough and Captain Fisher, R. N. — Mr. Dulles 
describes his visit to the Saratoga as the Commodore's 
guest 134 

CHAPTER X 
1S14 
British prepare to invade New York — American plans 
to repel invasion — Control of the lake the key to 
the situation — British advance by land and water 
— American gunboats in skirmish at Dead Creek — 
British army on north bank of Saranac River — 
Commodore Downie proceeds up the lake — Ameri- 
can naval force — British naval force — Macdon- 
ough's preparations for receiving attack 157 

CHAPTER XI 

1814 

Action of September 11 — Defeat of the British squad- 
ron — The losses on both sides — British wounded 
removed to Crab Island — Burial of American and 
British officers with honors of war — Letters of 
English officers to Macdonough — His criticism of 
the Eagle's action in leaving her station during the 
engagement — Rewards to the victors — Charges 
against Prevost — Macdonough 's toast 176 

CHAPTER XII 
1814-1815 

Prevost 's retreat — Most of the American squadron 
sent to Whitehall — Macdonough obtains permission 



CONTENTS 

PAGB 

to leave the lake — Turns over command of the 
squadron to Lieutenant Budd — Macdonough's work 
on Lake Champlain — Farewell letter from officers 
of the squadron — His reply — Letters to De Witt 
Clinton, Governor Tompkins, and Governor Chitten- 
den — Presented with the freedom of the city of 
Albany — Arrives at Middletown — Naval ball in 
his honor — Ordered to the steam frigate Fulton 
First at New York — Made a freeman of the city of 
New York 199 

CHAPTER XIII 

1S15-1S20 

Rumors of attack on vessels at Whitehall — Macdon- 
ough ordered to Lake Champlain to observe situation 

— His report to Secretary of the Navy — Expresses 
hope that he will not be placed in command on Lake 
Champlain again — Is retained there, however, until 
close of war — Peace is declared — Visits his home 
in Delaware — Ordered to Portsmouth navy yard — 
His failing health — Is presented with sword In- 
state of New York — Ordered to the Guerriere at 
Boston — Sails for Russia with the American Minister 

— Incidents of the voyage — Arrives in the Mediter- 
ranean from Cronstadt — Cruises with the squadron 
under Commodore Stewart — Relieved of his com- 
mand by order of the commander-in-chief — Reasons 
therefor — Ordered to the United States 218 

CHAPTER XIV 

iS20-iS-'5 

Members of the Sloane court martial acknowledge 
their error — Macdonough ordered to resume com- 
mand of the Guerriere — Declines on account of his 
health and is given the Ohio 74 — Presented by Con- 
necticut with pair of gold mounted pistols — Vis 
Vermont and Lake Champlain — Receives gold 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

mounted sword from crew of tin- Ciuerrierc — His 
family- Ordered to the Constitution at New York 

— Sails for the Mediterranean and assumes com- 
mand of the American squadron in those waters — 
Superseded by Commodore Rodgers Death of his 
wife — Relieved o( the command of the Constitution 
at Ids own request ami sails for the United States 

— 1 lis death at sea — Letter from \)\\ 'Turk describing 

t he Commodore's last hours Funeral ceremonies at 
New York — Taken to Middletown and buried with 
military honors beside his wife 241 

CHAPTER XV 

Maedonou.qh's death in the prime of life - - His personal 
appearance — A Federalist, in polities — A glimpse 
of his private lite — A valuable citizen, a consistent 
Christian, an able officer 257 

APPENDIX 
A 

The opinion of the court o( inquiry on the loss of the 
Growler and Eagle June 3, 1813 265 

B 

Report relating to the battle on Lake Champlain 
September n, 1814, received from Commodore Mac- 
donough and transmitted by the Secretary of the 
Navy to the Chairman of the Senate Naval Commit- 
tee 265 

C 

Other documents relating to the battle on Lake Cham- 
plain September 11, 1814 279 

D 
Statement of the force and loss on board the British and 
American squadrons in the action o( September n, 
1814, taken from the Burlington (Vt.) Centinel . . 285 



CONTENTS 

P u-.K 

E 
Letter from Sir James Lucas Yeo to J. W. Croker 
transmitting the report of Captain Daniol Prin^ 
concerning the engagement of September ex, [8x4 . a86 

P 
Verdict of the court martial on the commanding officers 
of the British squadron 291 

G 
Charges preferred by Sir James Lucas Yeo against Sir 
George Prevost . . , 193 

II 

Letter from Midshipman Lea, of the Confiance, to his 
brother .?o v ; 

1 

Letter from Andrew William Cochran, Acting Deputy 
Judge Advocate to the British forces, to Macdonough, 295 

J 
Letter from Macdonough to Andrew William Cochran, 200 

K 

Correspondence between Cadwallader R, Colden and 
Macdonough 296 

1. 

Resolution of Congress in connection with the victory 
on Lake Champlain September ex, [8x4 299 



Index of Persons 303 

Index of Places 311 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

FACING PAC.U 

Commodore Thomas Macdonough, U. S. Navy (from tin- 
portrait by Gilbert Stuart) Frontispiece 1 

Macdonough's birthplace at the Trap, Del 3 8 " 

Plan of the harbor and defenses of Tripoli 65- 

Macdonough when about twenty-two years of age (from 

a portrait supposed to have- been painted in Italy) . . 84" 

Map of Lake Champlain Io6t 

Macdonough in 1814 (from a miniature painted in that 

year) J & ' 

The Commodore's pencil sketch (slightly reduced) of the 
positions of the British and American squadrons before 
and during the action of September 11, 1814 r 73 

Diagram showing the British and American batteries at 

Mattslmre, and the positions assumed by the vessels 
of the two squadrons during the engagement of Sep- 
tember 11, 1814 I 74 

Photograph of Macdonough's despatch to the Secretary 
of the Navy announcing the victory over the British 
squadron on Lake Champlain, September 1 1. 1814 . 185 

The obverse and reverse of the gold medal presented by 

Congress to Commodore Macdonough 193 ' 

The battle of Lake Champlain, September 11, 1814 (from 

Davidson's painting) *97' 

U. S. Frigate Constitution (from the painting by Marshall 

Johnson) 2 48 

Monument over the graves of Commodore Macdonough 

and his wife in Riverside Cemetery, Middletown, Conn., 255 



CHAPTER I 

Macdonough's ancestors — Thomas, of county Kildare, Ireland — James, 
the emigrant — Thomas, the Revolutionary soldier — The family home in Dela- 
ware. 

Before taking up the life of Commodore Mac- 
donough it will not be inappropriate to devote a few 
words to the sturdy stock from which he sprung and 
to which he was indebted for some of the qualities 
which rendered him conspicuous in youth and man- 
hood, for his character, while no doubt moulded to 
some extent by his environment, bore the unmistakable 
imprint of transmitted virtues. 

Thomas MacDonough *, Commodore Macdonough's 
great-grandfather, is the first of the line of whom any- 
thing definite is known. He lived in the district known 
as Salmon Leap, about twelve miles from Dublin on 
the river Liffey, county Kildare, Ireland. He was 
a member of the clan Donchada (anglicized MacDon- 
ough), whose ancestor was Donoch, brother of Cormac, 
Lord of Moylurg. His wife was Jane Coyle. The 
family was of the Protestant faith and the succeeding 
generations have been actively connected with the 
Episcopal Church in America. Three sons, John, 
Augustin and James McDonough*, the last the Com- 
modore's grandfather, came to this country about 1730. 
John settled at Newtown, Long Island, and left numer- 
ous descendants. Augustin went to the West Indies. 

* The form of the name used by him. 
II 



12 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

James, the ancestor of the Delaware line, settled at 
what was then called the Trap, St. George's Hundred, 
New Castle county, Delaware. The many references 
to him in the records of the office of the Register of 
Deeds at Wilmington testify to his activity and busi- 
ness ability, and his will, in which he refers to gen- 
erous gifts already made to his then living sons and 
provides for the maintenance and education of his two 
orphan grandchildren, James and Joseph Anderson, is 
a silent witness to his parental love and forethought 
and his sense of the obligations of kinship. 

James was a man of considerable means, and if, as 
family tradition says, he was a physician, he must have 
possessed a superior education and no doubt occupied 
a position of importance in the community. He was 
a man of fine character and of strong convictions. His 
brother John, who settled in Newtown, Long Island, 
was an active member of the Episcopal Church in that 
place, and were the early records of St. Ann's in Mid- 
dletown, near the Trap, extant, they would probably 
show that James was a member of that ancient Episco- 
pal parish. 

His life covered a period of intense interest in the his- 
tory of our country. He was no doubt familiar with 
the course of political events, and from his quiet home 
in Delaware had watched the gathering of the storm 
which was to break over the devoted colonies. When 
it burst in 1776 he was weak in arm but strong in his 
belief in the principles of liberty, justice and equality 
upheld by his adopted country. Unable himself 
through age to take an active part in the contest, he 
armed two of his sons, Thomas and James, and sent 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 13 

them to the front. Thomas returned to him after a 
period of honorable service but James died early in 
the war. 

The sturdy old man more than rounded out his 
allotted three score years and ten, for he did not die 
until 1792, when eighty years old. He had married, 
in 1746, Lydia, eldest daughter of Peter Laroux, a 
Huguenot, or of Huguenot extraction, also of St. 
George's Hundred. She was born in 1729 and died 
August 2i, 1764. They had seven children — Thomas 
(born 1747), Bridget, John, James, Patrick, Mary 
and Micah. The eldest of these, Thomas McDonough*, 
the father of the Commodore, was educated as a 
physician. His practice was in and about his native 
place, the Trap, and he followed his profession until the 
outbreak of the Revolution, when, inspired by patri- 
otic feelings, he threw away the lancet and buckled 
on the sword. 

When the Revolution broke out the state of Dela- 
ware raised and placed in the field a battalion of eight 
hundred men under command of Colonel John Haslet. 
This battalion was composed of state troops in Con- 
tinental service — that is, troops organized under the 
colonial laws and furnished by the state of Delaware 
upon the call of Congress, who appointed their field 
officers. John Macpherson was elected major of the 
battalion January 19, 1776, but he was not then living, 
having been killed in the storming of Quebec in Decem- 
ber, 1775. The intelligence of his death did not reach 
Delaware, however, until March, 1776, and on hearing 
of it the General Assembly passed the following : 

* The form of the name used by him. 



1 .( LIFE OF COMMOPORK THOMAS MACDONOUC.il 

Wednesday p.m., March .-o, 1776. 
On motion made, resolved, that Dr. Thomas McDonough, 
oi the county <^i New Castle, be, ami he is hereby, recom- 
mended to the honourable the Continental Congress as major 
in the Delaware battalion vice John Macpherson, Jan., Esq., 
deceased. 

Under date of Friday, March 22, 1776, the following 

entry appears in the journal of the Continental 
Congress: 

The Assembly of the counties on Delaware having recom- 
mended a gentleman to be a major in the battalion ordered to 
ho raised in that colony in the room of John Macpherson, Jun'r 
Esq'r, who toll before Quebec and never received his commis- 
sion, the Congress proceeded to the election and the ballots 
being taken and examined. Thomas McDonough was elected. 

Major McDonough at once joined his command, 
which was in camp at Dover, am! prepared tor active 

duty. Purine the months of May and June he was 
Stationed at Lewes. Delaware, with a detachment of 
about two hundred men to prevent an uprising among 
the Tories in Sussex county. Early in July he rejoined 
the battalion at Wilmington and served with the colors 
until after November 4, 177b. commanding- the bat- 
talion in person in the battle o\ Long Island. Aug- 
ust 27, with SUCh conspicuous gallantry as to merit the 
flattering approbation oi General Washington, and 
participating in the battle of White Plains. October 28, 
Soon after this engagement he returned to his home in 
Delaware, a wound received in the battle of Long Is- 
land incapacitating him for active duty with the bat- 
talion during its last two months of service. The 
battalion was disbanded in January. 1777, and Major 
McDonough received an honorable discharge. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 5 

The civil government of Delaware from 1776 to 1792 
consisted of a President, a Privy Council and a General 
Assembly. The last was composed of two bodies, a 
lower house called the Assembly and an upper house 
called the Council. The former was made up of seven 
and the latter of three delegates from each of the three 
counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex. The Privy 
Council was composed of four members, two of whom 
were chosen by the Assembly and two by the Council, 
each for a term of two years. Its duties appear to 
have been to advise with the President in relation to 
embodying the militia, calling special meetings of the 
General Assembly, making appointments to certain 
offices and in filling vacancies in others until a new 
election. 

In the latter part of 1776 and the early part of 1777 
a battalion was being raised in Delaware in response 
to a call of Congress. The command of this force was 
offered to Major McDonough, but on February 22, 
1777, the Assembly notified the Council that he did 
not see his way clear to accept the honor proffered him. 
The Council, however, anxious to secure his services in 
a civil if not in a military capacity, elected him the 
same day a member of the Privy Council. With him 
was elected Mr. George Latimer, and they were mem- 
bers of the first Privy Council under the state consti- 
tution of 1776. 

He served in the Privy Council for the full term of 
two years. During the last year of his term he was 
brought, by virtue of his position as Privy Councillor, 
into close personal relationship with Caesar Rodney, 
who was elected President of the Delaware State 



l6 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

March 31, 1778. The exigencies of the times had prob- 
ably brought these two together before. Caesar Rod- 
ney's nephew, Caesar Augustus Rodney, was also a 
friend of both the Major and his son Thomas (the Com- 
modore), and the latter writes of him in 1802 as" C. A. 
Rodney, Esq., my father's and my friend." 

On October 2, 1780, Major McDonough was elected 
a member of the Council for three years and served the 
full term. On October 1, 1783, he was again elected 
and served a like term. On October 25, 1784, he was 
unanimously elected Speaker of the Council to succeed 
Caesar Rodney and served as such for two years, until 
the expiration of the term for which he had been elected 
a member of the Council. He was apparently not in 
public life the next year, but on October 1, 1787, he 
was again elected a member of the Council and was 
unanimously chosen Speaker when the Council assem- 
bled on October 25 of that year. He served as Speaker 
until the end of the session in June, 1788, when he 
resigned from the Council to fill the position of third 
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and Orphans' 
Court of New Castle county, to which he had been 
elected February 2, 1788. 

As a member of the Council he was constant in his 
attendance at its sessions, assiduous in his attention 
to public duty and unremitting in his endeavors to 
promote the success of the struggling colonies and the 
welfare of his native state. 

On January 9, 1791, he was elected second Justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas and Orphans' Court, 
and on September 6, 1793, he was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Clayton one of the Justices of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 7 

Although he was unable to accept a second com- 
mission in the Continental service, he still found an 
opportunity of serving his state by accepting the com- 
mand of the Seventh Regiment, Delaware militia, of 
which he was colonel in 1779 and 1782. Were the 
records complete, they would probably show that he 
was in command of the regiment during the interven- 
ing years. Delaware, as did other states, raised militia 
regiments for duty within the state during the war, but, 
as these forces were not a part of the Continental army, 
their services do not form a part of the government 
records although the local militia regiments frequently 
co-operated within their own state with the regulars, 
and, in some cases, participated in actual engagements 
with the enemy. As early as January, 1775, com- 
panies were formed throughout the (then) colony of 
Delaware for local protection, and in September, 1775, 
the Council of Safety organized the companies of the 
several counties into nine battalions, or regiments, and 
these into three brigades, the total strength being about 
five thousand. This organization for state defense was 
continued throughout the war. 

Reference has been made to St. Ann's Church at 
Middletown, six miles from the Trap. Its records are 
very incomplete, being continuous only from 1808, 
with a few fragmentary records covering the years 
1 791 to 1795. They show, however, that Major Mc- 
Donough was one of the wardens in 1793 and 1794- 

From the time of his marriage in 1770 until after the 
birth of his son Thomas (the Commodore) in 1783, the 
Major lived about three-quarters of a mile south of the 
Trap on the west side of the road from Odessa just 



1 8 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

after it crosses Drawyers Creek. The house was small, 
but one story and a half high, built of logs and weather 
boarded. Here six of his children were born. In 1 784 
he built a house on land owned by his father at the Trap 
and lived there until his death in 1795. 

This house was built of bricks brought from Eng- 
land and is still standing on what is known as the " Trap 
farm," as solid and substantial now as the day it was 
erected. It stands at the top of a gentle rise, with a 
fine view of the surrounding country. In front is a 
small, neatly kept lawn, and within are the old fash- 
ioned door latches, the quaint chimney cupboards, the 
carved mantels and the generous fireplaces which tes- 
tify to the warmth of the hospitality of the old colonial 
times. Here the future hero of Lake Champlain spent 
his boyhood days. Here, amid the surroundings of a 
happy home and under the most salutary influences, 
began the harmonious development of mind, brain and 
body which produced such splendid results in later 
years. 

Major McDonough died a comparatively young man 
November 10, 1795, after a useful and honorable life. 
His profession gave him a standing in the community, 
and his education, soundness of judgment and mental 
attainments made him a prominent figure in the public 
affairs of the day. His wife, who is described by a 
writer of that time as an " engaging and accomplished 
woman who inspired with respect all who approached 
her", and whom he married in 1770, was the daughter 
of Samuel Vance, also of St. George's Hundred, who 
was the son of John Vance, of English origin and a cap- 
tain in the Delaware colonial militia. She was born 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 9 

in 1751 and died November i, 1792. Their children 
were Lydia, Hannah, James, Mary, Hester, Thomas 
(the Commodore, born December 31, 1783), Samuel, 
Jane. John and Joseph. 



CHAPTER II 

Commodore Macdonough's Autobiography* 

i 800-1 82 2 

Enters the navy — War with France — Joins the Ganges — Cruise to the 
West Indies against the French — War with Tripoli — Ordered to the Constella- 
tion — Cruise in the Mediterranean — Returns to the United States and is ordered 
to the Philadelphia for Mediterranean service — Providential escape from the 
fate of the officers and crew of the Philadelphia — Joins the Enterprise — Parti- 
cipates in the burning of the Philadelphia and in the operations before Tripoli — 
Peace with Tripoli — Returns to the United States — Ordered to Middletown, 
Ct. — Attached to various vessels — Voyage in the merchant service — War 
with England — Ordered to the Constellation and then to Portland, Me. — Takes 
command of the naval force on Lake Champlain — Operations in the Fall of 
1S12 — The year 1813 on the lake — Preparations in the Spring of 1814 — The 
engagement of September n, 1814 — Criticizes the Eagle for shifting her position 
during the action — Directed to command the navy yard at Portsmouth, N. H. — 
Ordered to the Guerriere — Conveys our Minister to Russia and then joins the 
Mediterranean squadron — Relieved of his command by order of Commodore 
Stewart — Returns to the United States — Directed to resume command of the 
Guerriere — Declines and is given the Ohio 74 — Returns to Middletown — 
Journeys through the state of New York and down the St. Lawrence River to 
Quebec. 

' On the 5th February, 1800, I received a warrant 
as midshipman in the navy (I was then 16 years old) 
of the United States from John Adams, then President, 
through the influence of Mr. Latimer, a senator from 
the state of Delaware. Soon after my appointment I 
joined the U. S. ship Ganges f, Captain Mullowney, at 

* The Commodore's autobiography covers the period from his entrance into 
the navy in 1800 to the close of the year 1822. It is concisely written and in 
keeping with the modest and unassuming character of the man. It relates 
entirely to his naval career and does not touch upon his private life. Only such 
notes have been added as will serve to explain the text. The original is in his 
own hand and is written (with perhaps unconscious appropriateness) in an ordinary 
log book or journal. 

t He was ordered to the Ganges May 15, 1S00, and remained on her until 
May, 1801. — Author. 

20 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 21 

New Castle* and proceeded on a cruise in the West 
Indies f against the French with whom the U. States 
were at war. On this cruise we captured two 
Guineamen and a French privateer { and sent them to 
the United States. The privateer was run on shore. 
After considerable firing on her, her crew deserted her 
and got on shore. She was boarded by our boats ; on 
board of one I was. 

" About this time the yellow fever made its appear- 
ance on board and many of the men and officers fell 
victims, after a few hours illness, to its destructive 
ravages. Several midshipmen and myself, with a num- 
ber of men, having caught this fever were sent on shore 
at the Havanna and put into a dirty Spanish hospital. 
Nearly all of the men and officers died and were taken 
out in carts as so many hogs would have been. A 
midshipman, a surgeon's mate and myself, through the 
blessing of divine providence, recovered and took pas- 
sage for the U. States, destitute of all the comforts and 
even conveniences of life. The consul §, however, sup- 
plied us with shirts and some other articles of clothing. 
Off the capes of Delaware we were captured by an 
English ship of war on account of our vessel (a mer- 
chantman belonging to Phila.) having Spanish property 
on board. I, with the other gentlemen, were put on 

board the , an American ship, and landed at 

Norfolk, Virginia. 

" There the consul supplied us with money &c. to 
enable us to join the Ganges, which ship had left the 

* New Castle, Delaware. — Author. 

t The Ganges was ordered to St. Domingo May 24, 1800. — Author. 

t La Fortune. — Author. 

§ John Morton, of New York. — Author. 



2 2 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

Havanna on account of the fever which raged on board 
of her and with difficulty reached the U. States with 
the loss of many men and officers. Took passage on 
board the ferry boat, crossed the Chesapeake Bay 
and travelling up through the country got out of the 
stage at the Trap, my native place, after an absence of 
nearly a year, with straw hat, canvas shoes and in other 
respects poor enough. My relatives and friends were 
much surprised to see me as my death was, if not pub- 
lished, it was stated that I could not recover. 

" I remained some short time at the Trap; then 
joined the Ganges again. Took a short cruise in the 
West Indies* and returned to Phila., where the ship 
was sold and the navy, by law, reduced, and almost all 
the officers dismissed. Through the influence of C. A. 
Rodney Esq.,f rny father's and my friend, I was 
continued. 

" When I quitted the ship Ganges I joined the frigate 
Constellation, Commodore Murray, and sailed for the 
Mediterranean, where we remained for about twelve 
months. Visited many ports in that sea and had a 
brush with the gunboats off Tripoli. 

" In 1803 I joined the frigate Philadelphia, as one of 
her midshipmen, bound for service in the Mediterra- 
nean sea. Soon after our arrival in that sea we cap- 
tured a Moorish vessel + of 30 guns without resistance 
and I was put on board to assist in taking her to Gib- 
raltar. The U. S. were at this time at war with the 

* The Ganges sailed January 26, 1801, to cruise a few months in the West 
Indies for the protection of our trade. — Author. 

t Caesar Augustus Rodney, of Delaware, son of Thomas Rodney and nephew 
of Caesar Rodney. — Author. 

t The Meshboha, taken August 26, 1803. — Author. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 23 

Regency of Tripoli and not with the Moors, though the 
latter had commenced depredations on our commerce. 
I was left by the Philadelphia, Captain Bainbridge, on 
board the Moorish ship at Gibraltar and she went up 
the Mediterranean to cruise off Tripoli, where she was 
lost by running on shore in chase and was taken pos- 
session of by the enemy, the officers and men put into 
close confinement and kept there for 19 months. Thus 
was I providentially saved from this prison and the 
apprehension of death which surrounded those of my 
shipmates in the power of a merciless foe. 

' About this time Commodore Preble came out * and 
took the command of the squadron, under whom, a dar- 
ing and vigilant officer, may be considered the first 
impulse given to the navy in his conduct before Tripoli. 
He took his squadron to Tangier, had negotiations 
opened with the Emperor of Morocco, and coming to 
an arrangement of the difficulties the prize ship was 
given up. I then quitted her, not caring to be in his 
Majesty's service, and joined the commodore's ship as 
passenger until we met with the Philadelphia, but on 
our passage up we spoke a British frigate who in- 
formed us of her loss as stated. 

' I then, in the harbour of Syracuse, joined the 
schooner Enterprise, Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, com- 
mander. Was with him when the frigate Philadelphia 
was burned in the harbour of Tripoli and when he cap- 
tured, by boarding, the gunboats in one of the actions 
with the enemy's vessels and batteries. 

' Here I consider was the school where our navy 
received its first lessons, and its influence has remained 

* Commodore Preble reached Gibraltar September 12, 1803. — Author. 



24 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

to this day and will continue as long as the navy exists. 
I remained in the squadron during all its operations 
against Tripoli, presented the flags of the captured 
boats to Com. Preble at the request of Capt. Decatur, 
and was in 1805 or 6 appointed by the commodore 
a lieutenant of the schooner Enterprise. 

" Captain Robinson now took the command of this 
vessel and sailed up the Adriatic to Trieste, thence to 
Venice, where she was hauled up in the arsenal and 
repaired. Passed the winter of, I think, 1805 in Venice. 
From Venice I went to Ancona and prepared four small 
vessels for gunboats to be employed against Tripoli. 
Thence sailed to Syracuse and joined the squadron 
with the boats. On our arrival at Syracuse found 
peace had been made with Tripoli. Joined the 
schooner, Capt. David Porter as commander. Soon 
after I exchanged my station as first lieutenant of the 
Enterprise for the first lieutenantcy of the U. States 
brig Syren, Capt. John Smith, with Lieutenant 
Warrington. 

' Having now not much to do, visited many of the 
interesting ports and places along the shores of this sea. 
From Naples I went to Rome by land, visited Pompeii, 
Herculanagum, Mount ^Etna, Malta and the towns of 
the Barbary Powers and returned to the United States, 
where I remained some two or three years. 

" When I was first lieutenant of the Syren brig an 
occurrence took place in the harbour of Gibraltar which 
excited a good deal of feeling both on the side of the 
English and ourselves. A British man-of-war's boat 
boarded an American merchantman which lay near 
the Syren and took out, or impressed, one of her men. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 25 

I went alongside the British boat in one of ours and 
demanded him, which demand was refused. I then 
took hold of the man and took him in my boat and 
brought him on board the Syren. He was an Ameri- 
can and of course we kept him. 

" Was ordered by the Department to attend the 
building of some gunboats at this place *, which was the 
first of my coming and of course my acquaintance here. 
Joined the ship Wasp with my old commander Capt. 
Smith as first lieutenant and went to England with 
despatches, thence to France with the same and thence 
to the Mediterranean, where we stayed a few months 
and returned home. Cruised along the coast from 
Boston to Charleston enforcing the embargo laws. 
From the Wasp I went to the ship John Adams at 
Washington but soon left her and joined the frigate 
Essex as first with Capt. Smith. 

" Shortly after left the Essex and procured a fur- 
lough with a view of going on a voyage in the merchant 
service. At this time the navy was unpopular and 
many officers quitted it. I sailed from New York as 
captain of the brig Gulliver to Liverpool, thence to Cal- 
cutta and home again, touching at the island of St. 
Helena and being absent from the U. States about 15 
months. On the passage from England to Calcutta I 
touched at the island of Madeira for supplies and re- 
freshments and ran down close in with the islands of 
Teneriffe, the Canaries and Cape DeVerde. On my 
return from my India voyage I took charge of a mer- 
chant ship from New York and sailed for Lisbon, but 
the vessel springing aleak in a gale when out a few days, 

* Middletown, Ct. — Author. 



26 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

I was compelled from this circumstance to return to 
New York. The non-intercourse law now taking place, 
I of course could not prosecute the voyage and quitted 
the ship. During the gale I was obliged to throw 
overboard part of the cargo. 

' ' War having now been declared against Great Britain 
by the United States *, I applied for service and received 
orders to repair to Washington and join the frigate 
Constellation as first lieutenant. I did not remain long 
on board this ship for it required some time to com- 
plete her repairs and the time was irksome there. I 
therefore applied for and obtained command of the 
Portland station where were several fine gunboats. 
After remaining a few months at Portland I was ordered 
by Mr. Madison to take the command of the vessels on 
Lake Champlain. Proceeded thither across the coun- 
try through the notch of the White Mountains, partly on 
horseback, carrying my bundle with a valise on behind 
and a country lad only in company to return with my 
horses. I arrived fatigued at Burlington on the lake 
in about four days and took command of the vessels 
after waiting on the commanding general, Bloomfield. 

" The naval force on this lake consisted at this time 
of two gunboats and three sloops, the whole totally 
unprepared. Went to Wnitehall and commenced fit- 
ting out these vessels. All hands (including myself, 
a midshipman, Joseph Smith, and a master's mate 
named Trumbull) employed in this business. After 
all the difficulties to be expected in such a part of the 
country where nobody knew anything that was nec- 
essary to be done, I succeeded in getting these vessels 

* War was declared June i8, 1812. — Author. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 27 

in a poor kind of order to lead the army down to Canada 
from Plattsburg. The season was advanced, the army- 
returned to winter quarters, and my poor forlorn look- 
ing squadron went into winter quarters at Shelburne. 

" In the winter of 1812 I received orders from the 
Navy Department to prepare the squadron on Lake 
Champlain in a more efficient manner. Accordingly 
on the opening of the lake the following Spring I 
entered it with three sloops and two gunboats, in all 
about thirty-five guns, and employed this force in 
maintaining the peace of the lake by keeping within 
their own waters the vessels of the enemy and keeping 
the army free from molestation by water and the navi- 
gation clear to our merchants until I had the misfor- 
tune to lose two of the sloops through, I may say, the 
imprudence of Lieutenant Sidney Smith, who, while I 
was repairing a leak in the vessel that I sailed in myself, 
was ordered by me toward the lines to keep the enemy's 
boats &c. from coming into our waters, thereby annoy- 
ing the small craft on the lake. Lt. Smith ventured in 
quest of the enemy over the lines in sight of the Isle 
aux Noix, a strongly fortified place of the British, 
where he was captured by the gunboats of the enemy. 
He fought under great disadvantage for the passage 
was narrow and the current so strong as to make it 
totally impossible to manage his vessels. He went 
there without orders and contrary to my intentions 
and advice. 

" The British, thus fortunate in gaining the ascen- 
dency on the lake, came out toward the close of the 
campaign and took all the craft within their reach, 
which, however, did not amount to more than two or 



28 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

three boats belonging to the merchants. They came 
off Burlington, where I was preparing another force, 
when a sharp cannonade commenced and continued 
about half an hour between our gunboats, the battery 
of the army and their vessels. In this rencontre I 
believe not much damage if any was done on either 
side. Soon after this, having equipped my vessels, I 
entered again the lake with three sloops and four gun- 
boats, two of which boats I had built since the loss of 
the Growler and Eagle under Lt. Smith. On my appear- 
ing on the lake the British retired to their stronghold, 
the Isle aux Noix, where they remained during the 
remainder of the season, leaving us the quiet possession 
of the lake. In the fore part of the winter I went into 
winter quarters at Vergennes. 

" Both sides now began vigorous exertions for the 
command of the lake in the following Spring. Various 
reports reached me of their preparations — that the 
keel of a large vessel had been laid and a number of 
large gunboats or galleys were also constructing. On 
our side, as I had directions at all hazards to maintain 
our ascendency, we were not idle. The keel of a ship 
was laid at Vergennes to mount 26 guns, also the keels 
of 6 large galleys, the latter to be 75 feet long and 15 
feet wide. Went down to Albany and New York to 
arrange and forward the articles and supplies for this 
force. In the meantime rendezvous were opened along 
on the seaboard at the different large places and all the 
necessary artificers sent to the lake from New York, 
from whence the guns and heavy articles were sent, 
though we had transported from Boston the sheet 
anchor of the Saratoga which weighed 3,000 pounds. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 29 

Everything on both sides went on with all the dispatch 
which it was possible to apply. 

" The British entered the lake before us in the Spring 
and attempted the obstruction of the mouth of Otter 
Creek, so that my vessels might be kept from entering 
the lake. As I had information of their intentions I 
erected a battery at the mouth of the Otter Creek or 
River and called in the assistance of Col. Davis' regi- 
ment and a company of artillery under Capt. Thornton, 
and this force, together with a body of our sailors 
under Lt. Stephen Cassin, kept the mouth of the river 
open. The British came off this place with their brig, 
sloop and several galleys, and after a short cannonading, 
having sustained some injury, retired within their own 
waters.* 

" Soon after I entered the lake with the Saratoga, 
my ship, the Ticonderoga, three sloops and six galleys 
and proceeded to the lines in blockade of the enemy, 
where we continued until a few days previous to the 
action on the nth September, 1814. The issue of 
this battle is well known. The enemy's fleet was either 
taken or driven down to the Isle aux Noix in Canada. 
The army, which had been for some days before the 
town of Plattsburg, made a precipitate and disorderly 
retreat, destroying things of their own which, through 
less haste or fear of the increasing numbers of our mili- 
tia and of desertions of their own troops, might have 
been taken with them. Our men, it seems hardly neces- 
sary to say, fought with that ardour and enthusiasm 
which might be expected when opposed by a foe so 
superior in numbers and weight of metal and so far 

* This attack was made on May 14, 1814. — Author. 



30 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

in our country, carrying destruction before them 
wherever they went. 

" The Saratoga lost many of her men. The Ticon- 
deroga behaved with much gallantry. The Eagle, Capt. 
Henley, quitted the station assigned her and took 
another where she kept up her fire upon the enemy. 
As regards this act of this vessel I am decidedly of 
opinion her duty was to remain in the station assigned 
her as long as it was possible for her to maintain it. 
Her list of killed and wounded would show what neces- 
sity she was under to change her station, and even that 
evidence of her disability was made up of the names of 
wounded men, in part, who had only been so scratched 
or slightly hurt as not to merit the name of wounded, 
among whom was Lt. Spencer, who had a bit of skin 
by some means torn off his face. Mr. Loomis (I be- 
lieve acting master) earnestly requested that his name 
should not appear among the wounded. Had the Sara- 
toga been beaten, as, during the latter part of the action 
she had the fire of the brig which had been opposed to 
the Eagle upon her, as well as that of the Confiance, 
the day in all human probability would have fallen to 
the enemy. The smaller vessels did their duty. 

" In the course of the ensuing winter I was relieved 
in command of the lake and was directed to command 
the steam frigate in New York harbour, but peace 
taking place about this time, I went to Washington 
and procured orders to the navy yard at Portsmouth, 
N. H. In the winter of 1816 was appointed one of a 
board of commissioners, one of whom was Gen'l Ber- 
nard, to select sites for fortifications on the Plattsburg 
frontier. In 18 18 was appointed to command the 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 3 1 

Guerriere frigate and took out the Hon. G. W. Campbell 
to the Court of St. Petersburg, Russia, touching in 
England, Elsineur and Copenhagen. 

" From St. Petersburg, where we remained about 15 
days, we went to the Mediterranean, not through the 
English Channel but around the Shetland Islands in 
latitude nearly 62 . This was in the month of October. 
After a tedious passage arrived at Gibraltar, watered, 
took in some provisions and joined the squadron in the 
harbour of Syracuse. Visited various ports in the 
Mediterranean. Being at peace with the Barbary 
Powers we had not much else to do but run about. At 
Naples was presented to the Emperor of Austria, 
Francis II, and also Ferdinand, King of Naples, on 
board the U. States ship of the line Franklin, which 
ship these sovereigns visited. 

" Some short time after this a difference of opinion 
arose between the commodore, Stewart, and a court 
martial, of which court I was president. A corre- 
spondence took place. The court asserted its rights 
with such warmth that the commodore, conceiving his 
office and himself personally reflected upon, suspended 
the whole court and reported the affair to the govern- 
ment, by whose order we were all recalled to the 
United States, where, on a representation being made 
to the President, viz., that the court had acted from a 
conviction that it was doing its duty and not intending 
any personality in relation to the commodore, and that, 
upon having received the best legal opinion which the 
country afforded, it was sensible the grounds on which 
it acted were erroneous, viz., that it was independent 
of and without the control of the commodore — upon 



32 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

this expression, I say, of the members of the court to 
the President, they were directed to resume their com- 
mands, or at least I was ordered to the Mediterranean 
to take again the Guerriere, but my health continuing 
not good I declined, upon which I was ordered to the 
command of the Ohio 74 and returned to my family in 
Middle town. 

" In the Fall of 1822 I took a tour through the west- 
ern part of the state of New York. Visited Niagara 
Falls, then descended the River St. Lawrence as far as 
Quebec, passing all the rapids to the no small gratifica- 
tion of myself and those passengers who accompanied 
me in the batteaux." 



CHAPTER III 

1785-1801 

Condition of the navy at close of the Revolution — Algiers preys on our 
commerce — The birth of a new navy — Peace with Algiers — Trouble with 
France — Navy increased — Hostilities with France — Our naval force in 1800 — 
Macdonough's youth — Influences which governed his choice of a profession — 
— A midshipman's life — His ration, uniform and prize money — Peace with 
France — Naval peace establishment. 

The close of the Revolution found the United States 
practically without a navy. It soon became evident, 
however, that some sort of a force would be necessary 
in order to protect our water borne commerce which 
was at the mercy of every foreign flag. Our defense- 
less condition on the sea made it possible for any 
Power to annoy or seize American vessels with 
impunity. 

As early as 1785 American commerce suffered from 1785 
the depredations of Algerine corsairs, the ship Dauphin, 
of Philadelphia, and the schooner Maria, of Boston, 
being captured off the coast of Portugal and their car- 
goes and crews carried to Algiers, where the latter were 
held for ransom. The war between Algiers and 
Portugal prevented, temporarily, the former Power 
from continuing its depredations, but when, in 1793, I 793 
the British agent at the court of the Dey arranged a 
truce between Algiers and Portugal, the latter's fleet 
raised the blockade of the Straits and the Algerine cor- 
sairs, released from the confines of the Mediterranean, 
swooped down, like unhooded falcons, upon our 

00 



34 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1793 defenseless merchantmen. In October and November 
of that year eleven American vessels were captured 
with crews aggregating 109 men. 

In consequence of these outrages Congress passed, 

1794 March 27, 1794, " An Act to Provide a Naval Arma- 
ment ", which authorized the President, George Wash- 
ington, " to provide, by purchase, or otherwise equip 
and employ, four ships to carry forty-four guns each, 
and two ships to carry thirty-six guns each." It was 
provided, however, that if peace should take place 
between Algiers and the United States, no further pro- 
ceedings were to be taken under this act. 

Work was at once begun on six frigates — the Con- 
stitution, 44 guns, at Boston ; President, 44 guns, at New 
York; United State-, 44 guns, at Philadelphia; Chesa- 
peake, 36 guns, at Norfolk; Congress, 36 guns, at 
Portsmouth, N. H.; Constellation, 36 guns, at Balti- 
more. This was the beginning of the navy of to-day. 
On June 5 Congress authorized the construction or pur- 
chase of not more than ten small vessels " to be fitted 
out, manned, armed and equipped, as galleys, or other- 
wise, in the service of the United States." A treaty of 

1795 peace with Algiers was concluded September 5, 1795, 
and work on the six frigates was at once suspended in 
accordance with the act of March 27, 1794- 

Great as were the annoyances inflicted on American 
commerce by Algiers, the acts of France, though less 
barbarous, were no less aggravating. " They included 
aggressions of privateers, indiscriminate seizures of 
merchantmen by French cruisers, oppressive decisions 
of admiralty courts, payments of contract obligations 
in a debased currency, unrecognized and unwarrantable 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 35 

extensions of the list of contraband, delays, illetreat- 1795 
ment of the crews of prizes, and a variety of similar 
acts, by which American commerce was annoyed and 
harassed, its operations delayed, and its legitimate 
profits wasted. Each year a larger list of complaints 
was transmitted to Congress, and the necessity for 
action became more apparent."* 

On April 20, 1796, Congress authorized the President, 1796 
George Washington, to continue the construction and 
equipment, " with all convenient expedition ", of two 
of the 44-gun and one of the 3 6 -gun frigates on which 
work had been suspended on conclusion of the treaty of 
peace with Algiers September 5 of the previous year. 
Work was at once resumed on the United States, Con- 
stellation and Constitution, and on July 1, 1797, the 1797 
President was empowered to man and employ them. 

On April 27, 1798, the President, John Adams, was 1798 
authorized " to cause to be built, purchased or hired, a 
number of vessels not exceeding twelve nor carrying 
more than twenty-two guns each, to be armed, fitted 
out and manned under his direction." To increase 
the efficiency of the public service, a Navy Depart- 
ment was created April 30 and naval affairs passed 
from the control of the Secretary of War. On May 4 
provision was made for a number of small vessels, not 
exceeding ten, to be fitted out and armed as galleys. 

On June 30 Congress authorized the purchase, under 
certain conditions, of not more than twelve additional 
vessels and provided for the acceptance of " any ves- 
sel armed and equipped, or suitable to be armed, of a 
model, size and force proper for the public service, 

* Winsor's " Narrative and Critical History of America," VII, 362. 



36 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1798 which any state, body politic or corporate, citizen 
or citizens of the United States ' ' might offer as a gift. 
The twenty-four vessels directly provided for under 
this act and that of April 2 7 were to be as nearly as pos- 
sible of the following rates, viz., six not less than 32 
guns each, twelve not less than 20 nor more than 24 
guns each, and six not more than 18 guns each. 

On July 16 $600,000 were appropriated for the con- 
struction and equipment of three ships of not less than 
32 guns each " as part of the additional naval arma- 
ment authorized by law." Under this act the frigates 
Congress, Chesapeake and President were completed. 

1799 On February 25, 1799, Congress authorized the con- 
struction of six 74-gun ships and the purchase or con- 
struction of six sloops of war of not more than 18 guns 
each.* The same act authorized the President to in- 
clude the revenue cutters, employed in coast defense, 
in the naval establishment and employ them accord- 
ingly. Considerable material suitable for 74's was col- 
lected under this act, but no vessel of that rate was 
actually built until the passage of the act of January 2, 
1813. 

With each successive act of Congress the little navy 
had grown in strength. The first efforts to revive it 
met with violent opposition, but public sentiment soon 
changed and its development thereafter was attended 
by extraordinary enthusiasm. f Meanwhile Congress 
1798 had passed other warlike measures. On May 28, 1798, 
the commanders of our armed vessels were instructed 

♦The day of the month, February 22, in Annals of Congress, and the year, 
1798, in Goldsborough's " U. S. Naval Chronicle" (I, 113). are incorrect. 

t See McMaster's " History of the People of the United States ", II. 374-388. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 37 

to capture French armed vessels found hovering off 1798 
our coast with inimical intent and to retake captured 
American vessels; on June 28 the forfeiture and con- 
demnation, as prizes, of French armed vessels captured 
under the above act were authorized; on July 7 the 
treaties and consular convention with France were 
abrogated ; on July 9 our commanders were authorized 
to capture French armed vessels wherever found and 
the President was empowered to grant letters of 
marque; and on June 13, 1798, and February 9, 1799, 1799 
acts were passed suspending commercial intercourse 
with France and her dependencies. 

When Macdonough entered the service in February, 
1800, the efficiency of the American vessels and crews 1800 
had been proved in a year and a half of active opera- 
tions against the French. At this time the sea going 
naval force of the United States comprised the following 
vessels : 



Name 


Class 


Rat 


Constitution 


frigate 


44 


United States 


frigate 


44 


President 


frigate 


44 


Constellation 


frigate 


38 


Chesapeake 


frigate 


38 


Congress 


frigate 


38 


Philadelphia 


frigate 


38 


New York 


frigate 


36 


Insurgente * 


frigate 


36 


Essex 


frigate 


32 


Adams 


corvette 


28 


Boston 


corvette 


28 


General Greene 


corvette 


28 


John Adams 


corvette 


28 



* Captured from the French February 9, 1 799, and added to our navy. 



38 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



l800 



Name 

Portsmouth 
Ganges 

George Washington 

Merrimac 

Baltimore 

Delaware 

Montezuma 

Herald 

Norfolk 

Pinckney 

Richmond 

Warren 

Eagle 

Pickering 

Augusta 

Scammel 

Governor Jay 

Virginia 

Diligence 

South Carolina 

Enterprise 

Experiment 

Connecticut 

Trumbull 

Maryland 

Patapsco 

General Greene 



Class Rate 

ship 24 

ship 24 

ship 24 

ship 24 

ship 20 

ship 20 

ship 20 

ship 18 

brig 18 

brig 18 

brig 18 

brig 18 

brig 14 

brig 14 

brig 14 

schooner 14 

schooner 14 

schooner 1 4 

schooner 1 2 

schooner 1 2 

schooner 1 2 

schooner 1 2 

sloop of war 24 

sloop of war 24 

sloop of war 20 

sloop of war 20 
10 



sloop of war 

Macdonough's birthplace, the Trap (called McDon- 
ough since 1844), is probably not much larger now than 
it was in 1783. There, country born and bred, he 
passed his boyhood days, happy and contented and 
doing the duty that came to his hand. He always 
remembered w^th affection the home of his youth, and 
in a letter written from Middletown, Ct., in 1822 to his 
sister Lydia, in Delaware, he says, " I should like to 




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LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 39 

visit the old home where I have spent some youthful, 1800 
happy hours; to stroll about the fields and woods as I 
used to do." There are many stories still current in 
the neighborhood concerning the Macdonough boys, 
who were full of life and spirits, fond of practical jokes 
and considered by some of the neighbors a little wild. 
For a few years prior to entering the navy he was a 
clerk in a store in Middletown (about six miles from the 
Trap) , then a small cross-roads village ; now a thriving 
community. 

As to why he entered the navy — the course was 
perfectly natural in view of the influences which 
surrounded him and the opportunity which was 
presented. 

His father had served with honor as an ofheer in the 
Revolution, and many a time, no doubt, in the long 
winter evenings, seated before the generous fireplace 
filled with blazing logs, with his children around him, 
had told the story of the war; told of the long and 
weary march, of the camp-fire and the bivouac, the 
cold, hunger and fatigue, the battle, and the gallant 
deeds of gallant men for love of liberty. How the boy's 
heart must have throbbed as he heard the story from 
his father's lips! In the same regiment with the lad's 
father was his uncle James, a gallant, young officer who 
died in the sendee of his country. His uncle Micah 
had been a soldier, too, and had seen sendee as an 
officer under General St. Clair in his ill-fated expedi- 
tion against the Indians in 1791. His own brother 
James was a midshipman in the navy and had taken 
part in the engagement between the Constellation and 
the Insurgente in 1799. He, no doubt, had often 



40 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1800 poured into the boy's willing ears the stories of the sea. 
These were home influences — personal and eminently 
calculated to arouse in any boy a longing for military 
glory. 

Then there was a wider field which supplied the in- 
spiration and example of patriotic lives. Though small 
in area. Delaware had furnished her full proportion of 
those who counted it a privilege to serve their country 
in their country's need. In the stirring times which 
preceded the birth of the young Republic and during 
the stormy days which followed, her voice was raised 
in the Continental Congress and her arm was bared on 
many a field in support of the principles for which 
the colonies contended. Caesar Rodney, who, travel 
stained, booted and spurred, strode into the hall of 
Congress and cast his vote for independence; George 
Read, who labored early and late in the cause of lib- 
erty; John Haslet, the gallant colonel of the first force 
put into the field by Delaware; Robert Kirkwood, who 
fought with savage bravery in thirty-two battles of 
the Revolution; Allen McLane, the daring soldier and 
sturdy patriot — the names of these men were known 
in every hamlet in the state, and there was probably 
not a boy in Delaware who did not feel within himself 
a wish to do what they had done. 

The opportunity came in the creation of a new 
navy, necessitated by apprehended hostilities with 
Algiers and by actual hostilities with France. The 
new commissioned officers, some of whom had seen 
service in the Revolutionary navy, were taken from 
the merchant marine; the midshipmen from private 
life. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 41 

With such influences surrounding him and such an 1800 
opportunity offered, we can easily imagine with what 
eagerness and hopes of future glory the boy entered 
the naval service. The highest rank attainable was 
that of captain, and he had to pass through what he 
afterwards described as " a laborious and dangerous 
minority or apprenticeship " before securing the cov- 
eted prize. 

In those days our midshipmen's lines were not cast 
in pleasant places nor were their paths the paths of 
peace. Although " the wards and children of the pub- 
lic ", as they called themselves, little or no attention 
seems to have been paid to their physical, mental or 
moral welfare. They picked up on board ship, as best 
they could, the technical education necessary to fit 
them for their profession. Although ship schoolmas- 
ters were mentioned in connection with the service, 
they were conspicuous by their absence. There was 
no exacting etiquette, no rigid courtesy. Instead, 
there was the rude discipline of the merchantman 
transferred to the deck of a man-of-war — a discipline 
often enforced by intemperate and abusive language 
and occasionally by blows. " Notwithstanding the 
attractions presented by a naval career ", wrote Ad- 
miral Porter in his " Memoir of Commodore David 
Porter", 'yet so great were the exactions and so 
unceasing the strain on a boy's nervous temperament 
that only the most rugged and determined could remain 
in the service for any length of time." 

Midshipman Macdonough drew $19 a month pay 
and was entitled to one ration a day, which, on Sunday, 
consisted of a pound and a half of beef, half a pint of 



42 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1800 rice; Monday, a pound of pork, half a pint of peas or 
beans, four ounces of cheese; Tuesday, a pound and a 
half of beef, a pound of potatoes or turnips, pudding; 
Wednesday, two ounces of butter or six ounces of 
molasses, four ounces of cheese, half a pint of rice; 
Thursday, a pound of pork, half a pint of peas or beans ; 
Friday, a pound of salt fish, two ounces of butter or one 
gill of oil, a pound of potatoes; Saturday, a pound of 
pork, half a pint of peas or beans, four ounces of cheese ; 
and every day a pound of bread with half a pint of 
distilled spirits or a quart of beer.* The value of this 
ration was twenty-eight cents. It was changed later 
to — Sunday, a pound and a quarter of beef, half a 
pound of flour, quarter of a pound of suet; Monday, a 
pound of pork, half a pint of peas ; Tuesday, a pound of 
beef, two ounces of cheese; Wednesday, a pound of 
pork, half a pint of rice ; Thursday, a pound and a quar- 
ter of beef, half a pound of flour, quarter of a pound of 
suet; Friday, four ounces of cheese, two ounces of 
butter, half a pint of rice, half a pint of molasses ; Sat- 
urday, a pound of pork, half a pint of peas, half a pint 
of vinegar ; and every day fourteen ounces of bread and 
half a pint of distilled spirits. f The value of this ration 
was twenty cents. 

When he appeared in full dress uniform he wore a 
coat of blue cloth with short lapels faced with same 
and ornamented with six buttons, standing collar with 
a diamond formed of gold lace on each side not exceed- 
ing two inches square, slashed sleeves with small but- 
tons, all the button-holes worked with gold thread; 

* Act of Congress. July 1, 1707. 
t Act of Congress, March 3, 1801. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 43 

single breasted blue vest with flaps, no buttons to the 1800 
pockets ; blue or white breeches ; gold laced cocked hat, 
shoes with buckles, and a hanger. When in undress 
uniform he wore a short blue coat without worked 
button-holes and having a standing collar with a but- 
ton and a slip of gold lace on each side. Dirks were 
not to be worn on shore by any officer. This was the 
uniform prescribed by the Navy Department under 
Robert Smith, Secretary of the Navy from 1802 to 
1809, the description being taken from a memorandum 
of Midshipman Macdonough. 

Three-twentieths of the prize money were shared by 
the ' midshipmen, surgeon's mates, captain's clerk, 
clergyman or schoolmaster, boatswain's mates, gun- 
ner's mates, carpenter's mates, ship's steward, sail- 
maker, master at arms, armorer and cockswain."* 
Later, three and a half twentieths were divided between 
the " midshipmen, surgeon's mates, captain's clerks, 
schoolmasters, boatswain's mates, gunner's mates, 
carpenter's mates, ship's stewards, sailmakers, masters 
at arms, armorers, cockswains and coopers. "f 

Boys are boys in all ages, and the midshipmen of that 
day were as fond of fun and as full of life and spirits 
as are healthy boys of to-day and sometimes, no doubt, 
were sore trials to their superiors and others. While 
the Ganges was lying at New Castle, a skylarking party 
of midshipmen on shore leave conceived the idea of 
waking up the sleepy place. One of their number 
climbed into the belfry of the venerable Episcopal 
church, drew the bell rope up through the hole in the 

* Act of Congress, March 2, 1799. 
t Act of Congress, April 23, 1800. 



44 LIF E OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1800 floor and let it down outside. Then the entire party 
tailed on to the rope and gave the old bell such a ring- 
ing as aroused and startled the whole town. The sup- 
ports of the bell, unused to such a severe strain, pres- 
ently broke and the bell crashed to the floor, while the 
midshipmen took to their heels. Before the Ganges 
left, the worthy dominie received an unsigned letter 
expressing regret for the damage done and containing 
a sum of money which, it was hoped by the senders, 
would cover the cost of the repairs. This letter was 
in existence until recently, and from the writing it was 
always supposed to be the work of Midshipman Mac- 
donough. 

The title of " midshipman " continued to be used 
until March 3. 1883, when it disappeared to make room 
for " ensign, junior grade." Much to the gratification 
of those who are interested in the history and tradi- 
tions of the navy and were sorry to see the old name 
go, the title of " midshipman " was revived on July 1, 
1902, and applied to the students at the Naval Acad- 
emy in lieu of " naval cadet.'' He bears an honored 
and historic title, does the midshipman — a title 
borne by men whose names adorn the bright pages 
of the annals of the service — a title often linked with 
deeds of heroism and devotion to duty, and inseparably 
connected with the glories of the navy. 

The 24-gun ship Ganges, on which Midshipman Mae- 
donough made his first cruise, was a vessel of 504 tons 
and carried a crew of 220. She had been an Indiaman 
and was bought by the government in Philadelphia 
in 1798 for fifty-eight thousand dollars, which included 
some guns and military stores. Her armament con- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 45 

sisted of long 9 and 6-pounders. She had already 1800 
made two cruises, the first under Captain Richard 
Dale, and the second under Commodore (Captain) 
Thomas Tingey. The Navy Department has no logs, 
lists of officers or sailing orders on her third and fourth 
cruises under Captain John Mullowney, and I can find 
no information concerning her movements under that 
officer except the brief account in Commodore Mac- 
donough's autobiography. All her cruises, except the 
first, were made in West Indian waters, the principal 
field of operations in the war with France. 

The ratification of a treaty of peace with France 
February 3, 1801, was followed by an act of Congress 180 1 
on March 3 providing for a naval peace establishment 
and authorizing the incoming President (Thomas Jef- 
ferson) to sell all or any of the vessels belonging to the 
navy except the United States, Constitution, Presi- 
dent, Chesapeake, Philadelphia, Constellation, Con- 
gress, New York, Boston, Essex, Adams, John Adams 
and General Greene. The Enterprise was kept by the 
Department as a tender, although her retention was 
unauthorized. Under this act the Ganges was sold 
for twenty-one thousand dollars and the other vessels 
also disposed of. A large number of men and most of 
the officers were discharged, the act directing the Presi- 
dent to retain but nine captains (out of twenty-eight), 
thirty-six lieutenants (out of one hundred and ten), 
and one hundred and fifty midshipmen (out of three 
hundred and fifty). The disproportionate number of 
midshipmen retained was probably due to their strong 
endorsement by the Secretary of the Navy, who, in a 
communication to the House of Representatives on 



46 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1801 January 12, 1S01, said: "The midshipmen are among 
the most promising young men of our country, possess 
all the materials to make officers equal to any in the 
world, and well merit the fostering care of their gov- 
ernment." 

During this war with France our infant navy, born 
under stress of circumstances, served as a training 
school for almost all the officers who took part later in 
the war with Tripoli. The experience in naval warfare, 
the confidence begotten of the success of the American 
vessels, and the development of an esprit de corps under 
conditions which were peculiarly trying, strengthened 
our hands immeasurably in the conflict with that Power 
and aided, in a large degree, to crown our efforts with 
success. 



CHAPTER IV 
1801-1803 

Our relations with the Barbary Powers — A squadron of observation sent to 
the Mediterranean — A second squadron sent to the same sea — Macdonough's 
cruise in the Constellation — His first encounter with the Tripolitans. 

The ink was hardly dry on John Adams' signature 1801 
to the naval peace establishment bill when it became 
necessary to take action regarding the complications 
which had arisen with some of the Barbary states. 

The treaty of peace concluded with Algiers Septem- 
ber 5, 1795, provided, in addition to the ransom of the 
Dey's American prisoners and various presents, for 
the annual payment by the United States of " the 
value of twelve thousand Algerine sequins in maritime 
stores."* This tribute amounted to $21,600 a year 
and was to be paid in certain materials, not in money. 
The treaty also entailed upon the United States various 
incidental obligations, for 'the custom of Algiers", 
a Senate committee reported on February 29, 1796, 
" will render necessary a present, biennially, of nine 
or ten thousand dollars, and upon the appointment of 

* The payment of tribute was in direct contradiction to the policy of the adminis- 
tration as expressed by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, only a few years 
before. In his instructions of May 13, 1701, to Thomas Barclay, who had been 
appointed to secure from the Emperor of Morocco the recognition of our treaty with 
his father in 1786, Mr. Jefferson wrote: "Our distance; our seclusion from the 
ancient world, its politics and usages; our agricultural occupations and habits; our 
poverty; and lastly our determination to prefer war, in all cases, to tribute under 
any form and to any people whatever, will furnish you with topics for opposing 
and refusing high or dishonoring pretensions." — American State Papers (Foreign 
Relations, I. 288). 

47 



48 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1801 a consul a present of twenty thousand dollars." * In 
the latter part of 1800 the Dey pressed into his service 
the United States 24-gun ship George Washington, 
against the strongest protest her commander, Captain 
William Bainbridge, could make, and sent her to Con- 
stantinople with presents and a deputation to the 
Sultan of Turkey. t 

A treaty had been concluded between Tripoli and 
the United States November 4, 1796, which provided 
for the usual douceur of money and presents but con- 
tained the stipulation ' And no pretence of any peri- 
odical tribute of further payments is ever to be made 
by either party." The cupidity of the Bashaw of 
Tripoli, however, led him to make repeated demands in 
1800 for additional presents on the ground that he 
was not being as well treated in that respect as the Dey 
of Algiers and the Bey of Tunis. These demands, 
which were coupled with threats, were not complied 
with, and on May 14, 1801, war was formally declared 
against the United States by cutting down the flagstaff 
of the American consulate. 

In August, 1797, a treaty of peace was made between 
Tunis and the United States which, with some changes, 
was subsequently ratified. This treaty, which cost 
the United States money and presents to the amount 
of $107,000, contained no provision for future tribute 
in any shape. The Bey of Tunis was no more back- 

* American State Papers (Foreign Relations, I, 549). On April 12, 1S0S, James 
Madison, Secretary of State, reported that the payments made necessary by usage 
were — on presentation of a consul, $20,000; biennial presents to the officers of the 
Algerine government, estimated at $17,000; incidental and contingent presents of 
which no estimate could be made. — American State Papers (Foreign Relations 
III, 33). 

t American State Papers (Foreign Relations, II, 353). 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 49 

ward than his fellow pirates of Algiers and Tripoli in 1801 
making known his wants, however. He complained 
that a quantity of plank and oars delivered to him in 
December, 1800, were too short and affected dissatis- 
faction because some other naval stores had not been 
received. On April 15, 1801, he requested the Presi- 
dent of the United States to send him at once forty 
24-pound cannon, and on June 28, 1801, he made a 
demand on Mr. William Eaton, the American consul 
at Tunis, for ten thousand stand of arms. " Your 
peace depends on your compliance with this demand 
of my master ", said the Bey's Minister, who was also 
frank enough to say to Mr. Eaton that Tunis expected 
such contributions from the United States would 
" never have an end." The demands for the cannon 
and the arms were not complied with. 

The treaty made with Morocco in 1786 and ratified 
July 18, 1787, was still in effect and no open unfriendli- 
ness had been manifested by that Power. 

Such, then, were our relations with the Barbary 
states on the signing of the naval peace establishment 
bill. Algiers was restive on account of our long over 
due tribute, and had added insult to injury by com- 
pelling the commander of the George Washington to 
hoist the Turkish colors at the main and salute them 
with seven guns;* Tripoli's threats gave warning of 
trouble in that quarter ; Tunis was dissatisfied with con- 
ditions which brought no tribute from the new world 
power; while Morocco, although apparently peaceably 
inclined, was distrusted. Of the three restless Powers, 
Algiers was the strongest. She had advanced the price 

* American State Papers (Foreign Relations, II, 353). 



50 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 80 1 of peace with Tripoli and become pledged for that of 
Tunis. The terms of her treaty with the United States 
were so advantageous to herself that they excited the 
envy of Tunis and Tripoli and were largely responsi- 
ble for the restive condition of those Powers. 

In May, 1801, a " squadron of observation ", as it 
was designated, was ordered to the Mediterranean 
under command of Commodore (Captain) Richard Dale. 
It consisted of the frigate President (flagship) , Captain 
James Barron; the frigate Philadelphia, Captain Sam- 
uel Barron; the frigate Essex, Captain William Bain- 
bridge ; and the schooner Enterprise, Lieutenant 
Andrew Sterrett. 

Commodore Dale's instructions were to visit the dis- 
affected states and extend the assurance of our friend- 
ship to their rulers. If war had been declared by any 
of them he was to act as he thought best. He was 
directed to leave the Mediterranean by October 15 if 
possible — in no case later than December 1, 1801. 
The squadron arrived at Gibraltar July 1. Within 
the next five months the Philadelphia blockaded, at 
Gibraltar, a ship and a brig belonging to Tripoli, which 
were finally dismantled because they could not escape ; 
the Essex convoyed numerous American merchant- 
men and appeared off the Barbary ports; the Enter- 
prise engaged, successfully, a Tripoli tan vessel of 14 
guns and 80 men on August 1 ; and Commodore Dale, 
in the President, paid a visit to Tunis and Algiers, 
which had a very quieting effect on their rulers, and 
also appeared off Tripoli. In December the President 
and Enterprise returned to the United States, leaving the 
Essex and Philadelphia to protect American interests. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 5 1 

In 1802 another squadron, under Commodore 1802 
(Captain) Richard V. Morris, was dispatched to the 
Mediterranean. This force consisted of the frigate 
Chesapeake (flagship), Lieutenant Isaac Chauncey ; the 
frigate Constellation, Captain Alexander Murray; the 
frigate New York, Captain James Barron ; the corvette 
Adams, Captain Hugh George Campbell; the corvette 
John Adams, Captain John Rodgers ; and the schooner 
Enterprise, Lieutenant Andrew Sterrett. These ves- 
sels did not sail together but as each was ready, the 
first getting away in February and the last in Sep- 
tember. Midshipman Macdonough was ordered on 
October 20, 1801, to join the Constellation, and she 
sailed from Philadelphia March 14, 1802. 

This cruise of the Constellation, which lasted just a 
year, was not of great importance nor of much general 
interest. The Navy Department has five reports made 
by Captain Murray between March and November, 
but no log. The only complete connected account of 
the cruise extant appears to be the journal kept by 
Midshipman Macdonough and now in possession of the 
Delaware Historical Society at Wilmington. This jour- 
nal (like those of most midshipmen, who wrote not 
for posterity but for their captains) does not contain 
much valuable information. However, considering the 
lack of variety in daily life on shipboard, it seems to be 
pretty full in addition to the daily record of knots, 
courses, winds, distance, departure, latitude, longitude 
and variation, which appear on. page after page with 
monotonous regularity from Cape Henlopen to Malaga 
and back to Chesapeake Bay. But, if not valuable, 
it is at least interesting not only from the personality 



52 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1802 of its writer but because it was written while he was 
acquiring, in a hard but thoroughly practical school, 
the experience and proficiency necessary to fit him for a 
commission. 

Apropos to midshipmen's journals in general, Mr. 
Park Benjamin, in his interesting " History of the 
United States Naval Academy", writes, referring to 
the duties of a midshipman : " Despite all the fog which 
enveloped the question of what a midshipman's work 
really was, one duty never lost its brilliant and unique 
luminosity, and that was that he should keep a journal. 
Originally this requirement was a good one, not because 
it was altogether certain that in after life, say when in 
responsible command, the experienced officer would 
recur to this production of his boyhood for professional 
aid and advice, but simply because it gave him some 
practice in spelling and writing his own language. It 
was also supposed to lead him to a knowledge of com- 
position, but that cannot be safely affirmed, because 
probably nine-tenths of all midshipmen's journals 
became mere copies of the ship's log." 

The Constellation was a fine vessel of 1,265 tons, 
with a complement of 340 men, and had already done 
good work in the war with France. Midshipman Mac- 
donough was the second of his family to serve in her, 
his brother James having been attached to her as a 
midshipman at the time of her engagement with the 
Insurgente in 1799. Captain Murray was proud of his 
ship and reported to the Navy Department on his 
arrival off Malaga : " In the several gales of wind we had 
I found our ship proved to be perfect in all things, and 
the alterations we have made in her are vastly to her 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



53 



advantage in stiffness, sailing and for carrying her 1802 
stores." Her greatest speed on the outward voyage 
was twelve knots an hour, and on the homeward voy- 
age eleven and a half knots an hour, with the wind free. 
The Constellation's officers on this cruise were: 



Commander 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Sailing Master 

Surgeon 

Mate 

Mate 

Purser 

Boatswain 

Gunner 

Carpenter 

Sailmaker 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 



Captain Alexander Murray 
Charles Stewart 
Richard H. L. Lawson* 
James R. Caldwell 
Jacob Jones 

Michael B. Carroll (acting) f 
Richard B. Brandt 
Edward Cutbush 
Gershom R. Jacques 
Michael Graham 
Keith Spence 
John Hall 
William Johnson $ 
William Godby 
Thomas Crippen (acting) 
Samuel G. Blodget 
James Gibbon 
D. T. Patterson 
Thomas Macdonough 
James Biddle 
Ephraim R. Blaine 
William Miller 
William Cutbush 
Robert P. Spence 



* Sent home under arrest for killing James McKnight, captain of marines, in 
a duel at Leghorn. 



t From the Philadelphia as midshipman, May 9, 1802. 
tenant by Captain Murray. 

t Resigned to Captain Murray. 



Promoted acting lieu- 



54 I-IFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

Io02 Midshipman Bernard Henry * 

Commanding marines Captain James McKnight f 
Lieutenant of marines 1st Lieut. Edward Hall 

Following is a resume of the movements of the Con- 
stella tion on this cruise. Sailed from Philadelphia 
March 14, 1S02; arrived at Malaga April 30. Left 
Malaga May 3; arrived at Gibraltar .May 5. Left Gib- 
raltar May 11; touched at Algiers May 17; arrived at 
Majorca May 19. Left Majorca May 21; arrived at 
Tunis May 28. Left Tunis June 4; arrived off Tripoli 
June 8. Sailed for Syracuse June 12, and arrived there 
June 14. Left Syracuse June 23; arrived off Tripoli 
June 26. Blockaded the port and engaged the Tri- 
politan batteries and gunboats July 22. Sailed for 
Malta August 0, and arrived there August 16. Left 
Malta August 23 ; arrived off Tripoli August 25. Sailed 
for Palermo August jS; touched at Tunis September 5 
and 8; arrived at Palermo September 10. Left Pa- 
lermo September 15; arrived at Naples September 17. 
Left Naples September 28; arrived at Leghorn Octo- 
ber 4. Left Leghorn October 1 7 ; arrived at Toulon 
October 18. Left Toulon October 22 ; arrived at Mal- 
aga November 19. Left Malaga December 16; arrived 
at Gibraltar December 18. Left Gibraltar December 
1803 2 9> returned to Gibraltar January 2, 1803. Left Gib- 
raltar January 26; arrived at Washington March 15. 
There she was laid up in ordinary. Midshipman Mac- 
donough was detached from her May 21 and furloughed 
until called for. 

* From the Essex, May 10, iSoa. 

t Killed in a duel at Leghorn by Lieutenant Lawson. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 55 

The engagement of July 22, 1802, between the Con- 1802 
stellation and the Tripolitan gunboats and batteries 
was the first action in the operations immediately 
before Tripoli. Captain Murray's report said : " On the 
22nd inst. we discovered their whole fleet of gunboats, 
about three miles to leeward of the town, consisting 
of eight sail, with the admiral's galley, mounting 
long 24 and 18-pd brass guns, full of men. We 
crowded all sail we could to cut them off from the forts 
and had nearly succeeded, but they plyed their oars 
and sails with such energy that by the time we got 
within gun shot of them we were within reach of the 
shot from their batteries, which began to fire upon us. 

" However, we resolved to attack them and stood 
on till we were within a mile and a half of the beach. 
Most of the boats had by this time got nearly on shore. ■> 
The admiral then began to fire upon us as did the other 
galleys, when we rounded to in 12 fathoms water (our 
pilot being very much alarmed in standing in so near 
the land) and gave them a very severe fire for about 
half an hour which must have done them considerable 
damage. At the same time they had an army of at 
least 6,000 men drawn up along the beach to protect 
them, which our shot put to the rout. As the wind 
was in such a direction that we could not lay longer 
in our wonted position, we were obliged to haul off, when 
they got up under the walls of the town. Whether 
this brush will operate for or against a peace I know 
not. It will at any rate convince them that we do not 
regard their formidable gun -vessels, and it had a pleas- 
ing effect upon our young officers, who stood their 
fire admirably well. The next day we stood in close 



56 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1802 to the town, but they did not honor us with another 
salute." 

Macdonough's journal says: " At 9 discovered sev- 
eral small sail to the westward of the town. Made sail 
after them. The Thetis* in sight to leeward. At h 
past 10 discovered that the above sails were gunboats, 
one of which fired several shot at us. At 11 fired at 
them. At £ past 11 the town bears S. E. by E., i E. 
Land 2 miles distant. Sounded in 12 fathoms water. 
Not deeming it prudent to stand nearer the land, as 
the guns from the fort of Tripoli threw their shot over 
us, bore down to the westward, keeping up a constant 
fire at the gunboats, some of which must have been 
injured. Being but a few yards from the beach f many 
of our shot went on shore among the troops that were 
drawn up there (there appeared to be several thousand 
of them). At £ past 11 hauled our wind to the N. and 
E'ward." 

With reference to the presence of the Swedish frigate 
Thetis Captain Murray wrote the Secretary of the Navy 
from off Tripoli: " I found the Boston here with two 
Swedish frigates under the command of Count Soder- 
strom, bearing an admiral's flag, with whom I have 
had many conferences on board our respective ships, as 
he had orders from his Swedish Majesty to be governed 
by the instructions furnished our commanding officer 
on this station either to make peace or to prosecute 
the war with vigor (and certainly a high compliment 
paid to our administration)." The Boston, mentioned 
by Captain Murray, under command of Captain Daniel 

* A Swedish frigate. — Author. 

t Referring, of course, to the position of the gunboats. — Author. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 57 

McNiell, had been ordered to carry Mr. Robert R. Liv- 1802 
ingston, the American Minister, to France and then join 
the squadron of Commodore Morris. Instead of re- 
porting to the commodore, however, Captain McNiell 
cruised independently in the Mediterranean for some 
time and then returned to the United States. 

It was practically impossible for a vessel of the Con- 
stellation's draught and armament to blockade or bom- 
bard a port like Tripoli effectively. Rocks and reefs 
made a near approach to the shore exceedingly dan- 
gerous, while the bays and inlets along the indented 
coast afforded places of concealment and retreat for 
the enemy's light vessels and gunboats. 

On the recall of the Chesapeake, Commodore Morris 1803 
hoisted his pennant on the New York, but he was soon 
after ordered home and reached the United States in 
the Adams in November, 1803, leaving the New York, 
John Adams and Enterprise on the station. The gov- 
ernment had expected that the appearance of Com- 
modore Morris' squadron in the Mediterranean would 
soon be followed by peace with Tripoli, but nothing of 
importance was accomplished beyond impressing the 
rulers of Morocco, Algiers and Tunis by a show of force. 
The professional conduct of the commodore was con- 
sequently made the subject of a court of inquiry and 
he was dismissed from the service. 



CHAPTER V 
1803-1804 

Light vessels built for use before Tripoli — Commodore Preble ordered to the 
Mediterranean - — His force — Macdonough ordered to the Philadelphia — Arrival 
at Gibraltar — Capture of the Moorish vessel Meshboha — Macdonough placed on 
board the prize — Commodore Preble arrives at Gibraltar — Proceeds to Tangiers 
— The Meshboha ordered to Tangiers and released — Three of the Philadelphia's 
men desert from the Moorish prize while lying at Gibraltar — Midshipmen Morris 
and Macdonough sent on shore to get them — Experience of the two American 
officers on board the English frigate Medusa — Macdonough joins the Constitu- 
tion — Learns of the loss of the Philadelphia — Is transferred to the Enterprise — 
Beginning of friendship with Decatur — Commodore Preble reconnoitres Tripoli — 
Result of his observations — The Philadelphia — Plans for her destruction — The 
Intrepid sails from Syracuse and arrives off Tripoli — Attack delayed by gale — 
Decatur enters the harbor and sets fire to the prize — Destruction of the Phila- 
delphia and escape of the Intrepid. 

1803 Early in 1803 Congress found it necessary to author- 
ize the construction of two brigs and two schooners for 
use in the operations against Tripoli. In accordance 
with an act of February 28 the 16-gun brigs Siren and 
Argus and the 12 -gun schooners Nautilus and Vixen 
were built and all reached the Mediterranean by No- 
vember 1. The Siren was commanded by Lieutenant 
Charles Stewart, the Argus by Lieutenant Stephen 
Decatur, the Nautilus by Lieutenant Richard Somers, 
and the Vixen by Lieutenant John Smith. Lieuten- 
ant Decatur soon after left the Argus and took com- 
mand of the schooner Enterprise. The frigates Phila- 
delphia, Captain William Bainbridge, and Constitution 
(flagship), Captain Edward Preble, were also ordered 
to the Mediterranean and the Enterprise was retained 
there, so that the vessels under Commodore Preble's 

58 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 59 

command consisted of two frigates, two brigs and 1803 
three schooners, a force which was much more mobile 
and in every way better adapted to the purpose than 
any which had preceded it. 

The furlough granted Midshipman Macdonough on 
May 21 was quickly cut short, for three days later he 
was directed to join the Philadelphia at Philadelphia. 
During the time which intervened between the arrival 
of the Constellation at Washington March 15 and the 
sailing of the Philadelphia in July, he no doubt had an 
opportunity to visit his home at the Trap, and we can 
easily imagine the hearty welcome received by the 
young midshipman from his brothers and sisters after a 
year's absence in foreign waters. Through all the vi- 
cissitudes of a sailor's life the memory of his country 
home and the scenes of his boyhood days remained un- 
dimmed, and the letters written by him to his sister 
Lydia a few years before his death evince the utmost 
brotherly affection for all the members of the family and 
a tender solicitude for their welfare. 

The Philadelphia sailed for the Mediterranean July 
28. Her officers on this cruise were: 



Commander 


Captain William Bainbridge 


Lieutenant 


John S. H. Cox * 


Lieutenant 


David Porter f 


Lieutenant 


Jacob Jones 


Lieutenant 


Theodore Hunt 


Lieutenant 


Benjamin Smith 


Lieutenant of marines 


William S. Osborn J 


Surgeon 


John Ridgely 



* To the Meshboha, August 26, 1803. 

t From the New York. 

t Joined the Philadelphia in the Mediterranean. 



60 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1803 Surgeon's Mate Jonathan Cowdery 

Surgeon's Mate Nicholas Harwood 

Purser Keith Spence 

Midshipman James Gibbon 

Midshipman Daniel T. Patterson 

Midshipman Benjamin F. Reid 

Midshipman Thomas Macdonough * 

Midshipman James Biddle 

Midshipman Bernard Henry 

Midshipman Wallace Wormley 

Midshipman William Cutbush 

Midshipman Simon Smith 

Midshipman Robert Gamble 

Midshipman Richard B. Jones 

Midshipman James Renshaw 

Macdonough was number 4 on the list of midship- 
men. The Philadelphia arrived at Gibraltar August 
24, but sailed immediately for Cape de Gatt on learn- 
ing that two Tripolitan vessels were cruising off that 
point. On the night of August 26 Captain Bainbridge 
overhauled a ship with a brig in company. The former 
proved to be the Moorish vessel Meshboha, which, 
under written authority of the Governor of Tangiers, 
had seized the brig (the Celia, of Boston) a few days 
before in violation of our treaty. Captain Bainbridge 
took possession of the Meshboha, placed Lieutenant 
Cox, Midshipman Macdonough and a prize crew on 
board and carried both vessels into Gibraltar. 

When Commodore Preble arrived at Gibraltar Sep- 
tember 12 he found the two prizes there and was in- 
formed of the facts concerning them. After making a 
short visit to Cadiz, Commodore Preble returned to 
Gibraltar, and, sailing from there with the Constitution 

* To the Meshboha, August 26, 1803. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 6l 

and Nautilus, accompanied by Captain John Rogers 1803 
with the New York and John Adams, appeared off 
Tangiers October 6. The Emperor of Morocco at once 
disclaimed all responsibility for the acts of his sub- 
ordinates and followed this up by subscribing to the 
treaty made with his father in 1786. The Meshboha, 
which had been ordered to Tangiers, was thereupon 
released, and also the Meshouda, taken by the John 
Adams May 5, 1803, other courtesies exchanged, and 
the incident with Morocco was closed. Congress appro- 
priated $5,000 to be distributed among the captors of 
the Meshboha in lieu of prize money. 

The American officers and men were glad to leave 
the Meshboha, which Commodore Preble described as 
being " such a miserable piece of naval architecture 
that I do not believe we have a naval officer in our serv- 
ice that would be willing to attempt to cross the Atlan- 
tic in her for ten times her value." 

While the Meshboha was lying at Gibraltar there took 
place one of those irritating occurrences which were 
constantly happening at that time. Three of the Phila- 
delphia's men deserted from the prize and Midshipmen 
Charles Morris (of the Constitution) and Macdonough 
were sent on shore to search for them. The three 
deserters were found together, but as soon as they saw 
the midshipmen they separated and fled. Two of 
them were soon secured and it was learned that the 
third had entered the English dockyard. Handing 
over the two prisoners temporarily to the sentry at 
the gate, who probably mistook the midshipmen for 
English officers, Morris and Macdonough entered the 
yard and found the man they were looking for in a 



02 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1803 ship's boat belonging to the English frigate Medusa, 
Captain Sir John Gore. The lieutenant in charge of 
the boat declined to give the man up, saying that as 
he claimed protection as a British subject the matter 
would have to be referred to Captain Gore, but he 
offered to take the midshipmen out to the Medusa if 
they wished to present their claim to Captain Gore in 
person. On reaching the frigate the lieutenant went 
below to make his report, leaving the two American 
officers on the quarterdeck. There they remained for 
half an hour, no one offering to address them or to 
exteiul the slightest courtesy. Macdonough, being 
thirsty, asked for some water and was directed to the 
scuttle-butt near the mainmast. On his return he 
found Midshipman Morris and Captain Gore warmly 
discussing the merits of the case. The latter insisted 
that the deserter claimed protection as a British sub- 
ject. The two midshipmen contended that as the 
United States navy did not knowingly take English 
subjects into its service, the man must have passed 
himself off as an American when he enlisted, and that, 
in the absence of proof, his word ought to be worth as 
much in one instance as in the other. After some 
further conversation a formal demand was made for 
the man, which was as formally refused. The Ameri- 
can officers then requested a boat in which to go ashore, 
which was granted. During their absence on the Me- 
dusa their nationality had become known and the pris- 
oners left in charge of the sentry had been set free. 
The commanders of the Meshboha and the Siren re- 
peated the demand for the deserter to the frigate but 
without success. Commodore Preble was greatly 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 63 

incensed when he learned from Morris the details of the 1803 
discussion with Captain Gore, and in the latter's ab- 
sence the burden of his displeasure fell upon the young 
midshipman. Morris, expecting arrest, prepared a 
written statement of the conversation with the Me- 
dusa's captain and Macdonough certified to its correct- 
ness, but happily no further notice was taken of the 
affair. 

When the Meshboha was returned to the Emperor 
of Morocco, Macdonough, not caring "to be in his 
Majesty's service", joined the Constitution as a pas- 
senger, intending to rejoin his own ship, the Philadel- 
phia, as soon as an opportunity offered. This was the 
first time he had sailed on the Constitution and he 
little thought that twenty-two years later, in the same 
waters, she would be his last command. Touching at 
Gibraltar, Cadiz and Algiers, the Constitution arrived 
off Malta November 2 7 . On the way up she spoke the 
British frigate i\mazon and heard of the loss of the 
Philadelphia October 31. At Malta the intelligence 
was confirmed by letters from Captain Bainbridge. 
Macdonough thus learned of the misfortune which had 
overtaken his companions and realized his own provi- 
dential escape from the same fate by being left on the 
prize Meshboha. The Constitution sailed at once for 
Syracuse and arrived there November 28 with the 
Enterprise, which she met off Cape Passaro. 

On December 14 Midshipman Macdonough was trans- 
ferred from the Constitution to the Enterprise, and he 
then, for the first time, met Stephen Decatur, her com- 
mander. The former was just completing his twentieth, 
and the latter his twenty -fifth, year. Both were young, 



64 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1803 active and daring; both were actuated by the purest 
principles in private and public life; and both were 
filled with love for the service to which they had dedi- 
cated their lives. Despite the disparity in years and 
rank there sprang up between them a friendship which, 
cemented by common dangers in war and by common 
honors in peace, remained unbroken until Decatur's 
death. 

The officers of the Enterprise at this time were : 

Commander Lieutenant Stephen Decatur 

Lieutenant Joseph Bainbridge 

Lieutenant James Lawrence 

Midshipman Thomas Macdonough 

Midshipman George Mitchell 

Midshipman Walter Boyd 

Surgeon's Mate Lewis Heerman 

In a vessel the size of the Enterprise the crew and 
officers were naturally brought more immediately under 
the eye of the commander, and while dereliction of 
duty was more easily detected and punished, conspicu- 
ous bravery was more quickly noted and rewarded. 
Macdonough's transfer to the Enterprise was, therefore, 
in a way, an advantage to him professionally, and he 
was quick to grasp his opportunities. We will now 
follow his fortunes in that lucky little vessel. 

The loss of the Philadelphia was a fresh incentive 
to bring the Bashaw of Tripoli to terms. The knowl- 
edge that 307 of her officers and men were in the power 
of a fierce and unscrupulous foe quickened the courage 
and strengthened the arm of every man in the Ameri- 
can squadron. On December 17 Commodore Preble, 
with the Constitution and Enterprise, sailed for Tripoli 
to examine its harbor and defenses. On December 23 




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LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 65 

the Enterprise chased and captured the Tripolitan 1803 
ketch Mastico, 60 tons and 4 guns, which was subse- 
quently taken into our service and rechristened the 
Intrepid. Heavy weather soon after compelled the 
Constitution and Enterprise to return to Syracuse with 
the prize. While lying there a plan for the recapture 
and destruction of the Philadelphia was perfected. 

Commodore Preble's reconnaissance of Tripoli showed 
it to be " well walled, protected by batteries judi- 
ciously constructed, mounting one hundred and fifteen 
pieces of heavy cannon, and defended by twenty-five 
thousand Arabs and Turks; the harbor protected by 
19 gunboats, two galleys, two schooners of eight guns 
each, and a brig mounting ten guns, ranged in order 
of battle, forming a strong line of defense at secured 
moorings inside a long range of rocks and shoals ex- 
tending more than two miles to the eastward of the 
town, which, from the harbor, protects them from the 
northern gales, and renders it impossible for a vessel 
of the Constitution's draft of water to approach near 
enough to destroy them, as they are sheltered by the 
rocks and can retire under that shelter to the shore 
unless they choose to expose themselves in the different 
channels and openings of the reefs for the purpose of 
annoying their enemies. Each of their gunboats 
mounts a heavy eighteen or twenty-six pounder in the 
bow, and two brass howitzers on their quarters, and 
carry from thirty-six to fifty men. The galleys have 
each one hundred men ; schooners and brigs about the 
same number." * 

* Commodore Preble to Secretary of the Navy, September 18, 1804, in American 
State Papers (Naval Affairs I, 133). 



66 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1803 Surrounded by these formidable means of offense 
and defense lay the Philadelphia. With her guns 
turned against her own friends she was a valuable addi- 
tion to the Bashaw's force and her presence in the har- 
bor seriously interfered with Commodore Preble's plans 
for blockading and bombarding the town. Owing to 
her condition and position, to attempt to carry her by 
boarding and then bring her out was too hazardous, 
if not impossible. It was finally decided to endeavor 
to carry her by boarding and then destroy her. The 
performance of this delicate and dangerous duty was 
entrusted to Lieutenant Decatur. 

1804 The ketch Intrepid, which was particularly suited to 
the purpose, was fitted and provisioned and Decatur 
was instructed to man her with volunteers from his own 
vessel, the Enterprise. When he announced to the 
assembled officers and crew the Intrepid's destination 
and service and called for volunteers, the entire ship's 
company, from powder monkey to senior lieutenant, 
volunteered to accompany him. As Commodore 
Preble had limited the number to be taken, however, 
Decatur selected sixty-two of his best men and five 
of his officers, namely, Lieutenants James Lawrence, 
Joseph Bainbridge and Jonathan Thorn; Surgeon's 
Mate Lewis Heerman; and Macdonough, whom Mac- 
kenzie, in his " Life" of Decatur, calls Decatur's 

1 ' favorite midshipman . ' ' From the Constitution Com- 
modore Preble sent Midshipmen Ralph Izard, John 
Rowe, Charles Morris, Alexander Laws and John 
Davis. Midshipman Thomas O. Anderson and several 
men were subsequently received from the Siren. Sal- 
vatore Catalano acted as pilot. Lieutenant Charles 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 67 

Stewart was instructed to support Decatur with the 1804 
Siren and to cover the retreat with his boats. 

On the evening of February 3 * the Intrepid and 
Siren left Syracuse and arrived off Tripoli the 7th.f 
The immediate carrying out of the enterprise was de- 
layed by a storm which lasted several days and drove 
both vessels to the eastward. During the gale the sit- 
uation of Macdonough and his companions was both 
precarious and uncomfortable. " The commander, 
three lieutenants, and the surgeon occupied the very 
small cabin. Six midshipmen and the pilot had a plat- 
form laid on the water casks, whose surface they cov- 
ered when they lay down for sleep, and at so small a 
distance below the deck that their heads would reach 
it when seated on the platform. The marines had cor- 
responding accommodations on the opposite side, and 
the sailors had only the surface of the casks in the hold. 
To these inconveniences were added the want of any 
room on the deck for exercise, and the attacks of in- 
numerable vermin, which our predecessors, the slaves, 
had left behind them. The provisions proved to be 
decayed and offensive. Fortunately our confinement 
did not continue long enough to affect our health or 
vigor." J 

Finally, on the 16th, the weather became pleasant 
and the Intrepid stood in for Tripoli. By using drags 
without shortening sail, in order to allay suspicion, 

* Commodore Preble to Secretary of the Navy, February 19, 1804, in Annals 
of Congress (Gales & Seaton), 8th Congress, 2nd Session, page 1635. Navy Depart- 
ment files. Autobiography of Commodore Charles Morris. 

t Lieutenant Decatur to Commodore Preble, February 17, 1804, in Annals of 
Congress (Gales & Seaton), 8th Congress, 2nd Session, page 1637. Navy Depart- 
ment files. 

t Autobiography of Commodore Charles Morris. 



68 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 Decatur timed his movements so as to enter the harbor 
at seven o'clock in the evening.* His orders for the 
attack were simple and concise. The spar and gun 
decks of the Philadelphia were to be carried first. 
Then he with Midshipmen Izard and Rowe and fifteen 
men were to hold the upper deck ; Lieutenant Lawrence 
with Midshipmen Laws and Macdonough and ten men 
were to fire the berth deck and forward store room; 
Lieutenant Bainbridge with Midshipman Davis and 
ten men were to fire the ward-room and steerage; 
Midshipman Morris and eight men were to fire the cock- 
pit and after store room; Lieutenant Thorn with the 
gunner, surgeon and thirteen men were to guard the 
ketch; and Midshipman Anderson, in the cutter, was 
to secure all boats alongside the frigate and cut off 
those of her crew who might attempt to swim ashore. 
Firearms were to be used only as a last resort and the 
watchword was " Philadelphia." 

The all important moment of the desperate under- 
taking was now at hand. Far up the harbor, indis- 
tinct in the gathering darkness and guarded like some 
precious jewel, lay the Philadelphia. She was moored 
" in the inner harbor, close to the batteries on the cas- 
tle, the molehead and the New Fort, and within easy 
range of all the other batteries of the harbor. She 
mounted 40 guns, which were kept loaded, and a full 
complement of men was on board to serve them. 
Close by, between her and the shore, lay three Tripoli- 
tan cruisers and twenty gunboats and galleys, all of 



* Lieutenant Decatur to Commodore Preble, February 17, 1804, in Annals of 
Congress (Gales & Seaton), 8th Congress, 2nd Session, page 1637. Navy Depart- 
ment files. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 69 

them fully manned and in readiness." * To approach 1804 
her under these conditions was to enter the very jaws 
of death, yet there was the Intrepid's goal and thither 
every eye was turned. 

The breeze was light and the progress of the ketch 
was slow. Stealthily she slunk along in the gloom with 
all but a few of her crew concealed from curious eyes. 
Unmolested and unchallenged by guard boat or sentry 
she crept by the forts and had drawn quite close to the 
Philadelphia when the frigate hailed her. Prompted 
by Decatur, Salvatore Catalano, the Intrepid's pilot, 
replied that the ketch was a trader from Malta, that 
she had lost her anchors in the recent storm and that 
they desired permission to make fast to the frigate 
during the night. It was then about half past nine 
o'clock. f Meanwhile a boat's crew from the Intrepid 
attached a line to the Philadelphia's fore-chains and 
received an after fast from one of the frigate's boats. 
Hauling on these lines the crew of the ketch, still con- 
cealed, had brought their vessels almost alongside 
when the presence of her anchors was detected, the 
suspicion of the Turks aroused, and the cry " Ameri- 
canos! " rang through the ship. Hardly had the ketch 
touched the side of the frigate a moment later than 
over the bulwarks and through the ports of the Phila- 
delphia poured the Intrepid's crew, grim, silent and 
determined. The Turks, taken completely by sur- 
prise, made but little resistance and the vessel was soon 

* Proceedings of the U. S. Naval Institute (Operations of the Mediterranean 
Squadron under Commodore Edward Preble in 1803-4), 1879. 

t Lieutenant Decatur to Commodore Preble, February 17, 1804, in Annals of 
Congress (Gales & Seaton), 8th Congress, 2nd Session, page 1637. Navy Depart- 
ment files. 



70 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 in Decatur's possession. The order to set her on fire 
was then quickly and thoroughly executed. Twenty- 
five minutes after being boarded the frigate was a mass 
of flames from stem to stern. 

The ketch, with some difficulty, got clear of the burn- 
ing vessel and, under sweeps and aided by a light breeze, 
made for the entrance to the harbor. Then, and not 
till then, the crew of the Intrepid broke their silence 
and gave three ringing cheers — cheers of victory and 
of exultation. But they were not yet out of danger. 
The flames from the Philadelphia lit up the harbor 
and made the ketch a fair target for the Turkish guns. 
All the batteries opened fire upon her, joined by the 
cruisers and gunboats. Several shot passed over and 
fell near her but she escaped with a single shot hole 
through a sail. Decatur at once reported the success 
of the expedition to Lieutenant Stewart, who was 
lying off the harbor in the Siren, and then both vessels 
sailed for Syracuse, arriving there the evening of 
February 18.* 

The recapture and destruction of the Philadelphia 
not only redounded greatly to the honor of the navy 
but had a most beneficial influence on its morale. The 
boldness of the plan was only equalled by the splendid 
audacity of its execution. Admiral Nelson, who was 
then blockading Toulon, is said to have called it the 
" most bold and daring act of the age." In his official 
report to Commodore Preble, Lieutenant Decatur spoke 
generously of the " highly meritorious " conduct of the 

♦Commodore Preble to Secretary of the Navy, February 19, 1S04, in Annals 
of Congress (Gales & Seaton), 8th Congress, and Session, page 1635. Navy Depart- 
ment files. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 7 1 

officers and the " coolness and intrepidity " of the men 1804 
under his command, and in making his report to the 
Secretary of the Navy, Commodore Preble wrote of 
the Intrepid's officers and crew: " Their conduct in the 
performance of the dangerous service assigned them 
cannot be sufficiently estimated. It is beyond all 
praise." In recognition of their services, Congress 
voted a sword to Lieutenant Decatur and two months' 
pay to each of the officers and crew. For very obvious 
reasons the officers declined the money. 



CHAPTER VI 
i 804-1 806 

Incident at Messina — Operations before Tripoli — Macdonough wins his 

commission — Sad fate of the Intrepid — Co odore Preble superseded by 

Commodore Barron — Peace with Tripoli — Macdonough joins the Siren — 
Returns to the United States. 

1804 During the next five months the Enterprise, with 
Macdonough still attached to her, was busy on various 
duties assigned her by Commodore Preble. The un- 
settled state of affairs in the Mediterranean gave rise 
to many disagreeable occurrences, and while at Messina 
Macdonough met with one of those unpleasant experi- 
ences peculiar to the times and place. Being detained 
on shore one night later than usual, he hired a boat to 
take him off to the schooner. When he saw the boat 
was manned by three men instead of two, the usual 
complement, he became suspicious and refused to get 
into her. Thereupon the three men attacked him with 
their daggers. Macdonough defended himself with his 
sword and succeeded in wounding two of his assailants. 
The third took to flight pursued by his intended victim. 
Running into a building he mounted to the roof, and 
then, finding all other means of escape impossible, took 
the only chance left and jumped to the ground, but 
was killed by the fall.* 

* This incident is taken from an article on Commodore Macdonough in the 
March number of the Analeetie Magazine for 1S16. In the article itself it is said 
that the incident occurred at Syracuse, but in a note the author says " we are 
told " it happened at Messina and gives some further details. The correction and 

7- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 73 

In April, while forming part of the force blockading 1804 
Tripoli, the Enterprise assisted in forcing on shore, and 
destroying, a salt laden vessel which tried to enter the 
harbor under cover of a fog. On June 14, in company 
with the Constitution and Argus, she sailed from Trip- 
oli for Tunis, arriving there the 19th. On July 14, in 
company with the Constitution, Nautilus, two bomb 
vessels* and six gunboats,* she sailed from Syracuse, 
stopped at Malta from the 16th to the 21st, and 
arrived in sight of Tripoli the 25th. 

Commodore Preble had now completed arrangements 
for an active attack on the city. The force assembled 
off Tripoli July 25 consisted of the frigate Constitution ; 
brigs Argus, Siren and Scourge ; f schooners Nautilus, 
Vixen and Enterprise; two bomb vessels and six gun- 
boats. These were manned by 1,060 men. " The 
bomb vessels are about thirty tons, carry a thirteen 
inch brass sea mortar and forty men — gunboats, 
twenty-five tons, carry a long iron twenty-four pounder 
in the bow, with a complement of thirty-five men. 
They are officered and manned from the squadron, 
excepting twelve Neapolitan bombardiers, gunner- 
and sailors attached to each boat, who were shipped by 
permission of their government. This step I found 
necessary, as every vessel in the squadron was consid- 
erably short of complement. The gunboats are con- 
structed for the defense of the harbors. They are flat 
bottomed and heavy, and do not sail or row tolerably 

additional information no doubt came from some person familiar with the cir- 
cumstances, possibly from Macdonough himself, who, in 1816, was in command 
of the navy yard at Portsmouth, N. H. 

* Borrowed from the king of Sicily. 

t The privateer Transfer, captured and taken into our service. 



74 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 well. They are never intended to go to sea, and I find 
cannot be navigated with safety unless assisted by tow 
ropes from larger and better sailing vessels ; nor even 
then in very bad weather. However, as they were the 
best I could obtain, I have thought it for the good of 
our service to employ them, particularly as the weather 
in July and August is generally pleasant, and without 
them my force was too small to make any impression 
on Tripoli."* 

Stormy weather delayed the contemplated opera- 
tions until August 3, when everything was favorable 
for an attack. The gunboats were divided into two 
divisions. The first division consisted of No. 1, Lieu- 
tenant Richard Somers (who also commanded the 
division); No. 2, Lieutenant James Decatur; No. 3, 
Lieutenant Joshua Blake. The second division con- 
sisted of No. 4, Lieutenant Stephen Decatur (who also 
commanded the division) ; No. 5, Lieutenant Joseph 
Bainbridge; No. 6, Lieutenant John Trippe. Mid- 
shipman Macdonough was with Lieutenant Decatur in 
No. 4, not only on this occasion but also in all the suc- 
ceeding operations before Tripoli. The enemy's gun- 
boats and galleys were formed in three divisions. The 
eastern division, consisting of nine of their largest 
boats, lay outside the rocks and within grape shot of 
the Bashaw's castle and Fort English ; the center divi- 
sion, seven boats, was stationed within the rocks as a 
reserve; and the western division, five boats, was close 
under the batteries. At 2 p.m. the flagship signalled 
to cast off the gunboats and bomb vessels, and fifteen 

* Commodore Preble to Secretary of the Navy, September iS, 1S04, in American 
State Papers (Naval Affairs, I, 133)- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 75 

minutes later gave the order for them to advance and 1804 
attack the enemy. At 2.45 p.m. the mortar boats began 
a general engagement by shelling the city. The gun- 
boats, under sails and oars and with the first division 
on the right, or to leeward, made for the eastern divi- 
sion of the enemy's boats. The line of attack was soon 
broken up, however. No. 1, being unable to get far 
enough to windward to co-operate with the other boats, 
bore down alone on the enemy's western division ; No. 3 
left the line in obedience to a signal of recall shown by 
mistake from the flagship; and No. 5 was unable to 
keep up with the other boats owing to the loss of her 
lateen yard while in tow of the Siren. 

Nos. 2, 4 and 6 pressed forward and closed although 
the odds were greatly against them. Covering his 
advance by a storm of bullets from his 24-pounder and 
muskets, Lieutenant Decatur laid No. 4 alongside a 
Tripolitan gunboat and boarded her. Macdonough 
leaped on board close behind him accompanied by 
Lieutenant Thorn and the American crew armed with 
pistol, pike and cutlass. The deck of the Turkish boat 
had an open hatchway amidships, and the Americans 
had to charge around it to get at the enemy.* A des- 
perate hand to hand encounter now took place. The 
Turks, confident in their numbers and believing them- 
selves invincible in this particular kind of warfare, 
made a determined resistance but could not withstand 
the fierce onslaught of their opponents, and after a 
brief but bloody struggle the Turkish boat was cap- 
tured. Taking his prize in tow, Decatur made for 

* Clark says, in his " History of the United States Navy," that Decatur led 
the charge around one side of the hatchway and Macdonough around the other. 



76 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 another of the enemy and laying his boat alongside he 
boarded and carried her after a fierce conflict * These 
two prizes, which were brought out safely, had thirty- 
three officers and men killed and twenty-seven made 
prisoners. 

Meanwhile Lieutenant Somers, assisted by the guns 
of the brigs and schooners, engaged the western divi- 
sion of the enemy's boats and forced them to retire in- 
side the rocks ; Lieutenants Blake and Bainbridge kept 
up an effective fire against the enemy's boats and ship- 
ping; and Lieutenant Trippe boarded and captured 
the gunboat opposed to him after a bitter contest in 
which the odds were all against him. Lieutenant 
James Decatur was mortally wounded while gallantly 
boarding his adversary, and his second in command 
withdrew from action. The mortar boats kept up a 
steady discharge of shells, while the frigate, brigs and 
schooners directed their fire against the city and bat- 
teries. The reserve division of gunboats and galleys, 
reinforced by the boats of the eastern and western di- 
visions which had been forced to retire, advanced several 
times to attack our boats but were as often checked by 
the guns of the Constitution and light vessels. At 
4.30 p.m., the enemy's boats having been driven in and 
the wind shifting, the flagship signalled the bomb ves- 
sels and gunboats to retire from action and the squad- 
ron withdrew. 

* Mackenzie, in his " Life " of Decatur, says that a portion of the crew of 
No. 4 was left on the first prize and that only Decatur, the " gallant young Mac- 
donough " and nine American seamen boarded the second Tripolitan gunboat. 
If it is true that the boarding party consisted of only eleven persons, their daring 
was as great as their success was surprising, for they were outnumbered more 
than three to one. The Analectic Magazine (181 3, Vol. I) says Decatur led eleven 
men into the second boat. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 77 

The American loss in this engagement was one killed 1804 
and thirteen wounded. In gunboat No. 4 Lieutenant 
Decatur, one marine and two seamen were wounded, 
a remarkable record for a crew which had taken two 
prizes, made twenty-seven prisoners and killed and dis- 
abled thirty-three of the enemy in a hand to hand fight. 
What damage the Constitution and other vessels 
received was principally aloft. Three of the enemy's 
gunboats were captured and three were sunk in the 
harbor by the guns of the squadron. Each of the cap- 
tured boats carried two brass howitzers on her quarters, 
and in the bow a handsome copper gun eleven and a 
half feet long, firing a 29-pound shot and weighing 
6,600 pounds. The city was not much injured by the 
bombardment, but the batteries were considerably 
damaged. The Tripoli tans must have suffered a severe 
loss in killed and wounded. The character of the serv- 
ice performed by the gunboats in this engagement gave 
plenty of opportunity for individual distinction, and 
there were numerous instances of great personal cour- 
age and devotion. In hand to hand fighting the de- 
spised Frank taught the Turk a lesson he never forgot. 
Lieutenant Decatur spoke in the highest terms of Mac- 
donough's conduct during the action and still further 
showed his friendship and admiration by requesting 
him to present the flags of the captured boats to Com- 
modore Preble. 

There used to be in the possession of one of Com- 
modore Macdonough's family in Delaware^a curious old 
Turkish gun which Macdonough is^said to have wrested 
from the hands of a Turk during the fight and used to 
replace his broken cutlass, bringing it home afterwards 
as a memento of the occasion. 



78 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 The next few days were spent in repairing damages 
and refitting the captured gunboats for our own use. 
They were numbered 7, 8 and 9 and were assigned to 
Lieutenants William Montgomery Crane, Jonathan 
Thorn and James R. Caldwell respectively. On August 
S the Argus brought to a French privateer of 4 guns 
and Commodore Preble prevailed on her captain to 
return to Tripoli with fourteen wounded Turks. 

At 9 a.m., August 7, the squadron lying about six 
miles off Tripoli, the flagship signalled the gunboats, 
mortar vessels, brigs and schooners to stand in for 
another attack. The bomb vessels were directed to 
take their position in a small bay, west of the harbor, 
from which they could easily shell the city without 
being much exposed to the enemy's fire. The two di- 
visions of gunboats, under Lieutenants Somers and 
Decatur, were ordered to silence a battery of seven 
heavy guns which covered the approach to the position 
assigned the mortar vessels, and the brigs and schooners 
were to support the gunboats. At 2.30 p.m. the boats 
and mortar vessels had gained their positions and the 
Constitution signalled them to begin the attack. In 
less than two hours the walls of the battery engaged by 
the gunboats were almost entirely destroyed and six of 
the seven guns put out of action. The Tripolitan gun- 
boats and galleys, to the number of fifteen, advanced 
several times toward the openings in the rocks as if to 
come out, but were driven back by the frigate and light 
vessels. At 5.30 p.m. the flagship signalled the gun- 
boats and bomb vessels to retire, and the squadron 
withdrew to its anchorage. 

The boats fired about fifty rounds each and suffered 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 79 

more severely in this engagement than on August 3. 1804 
No. 9 blew up, killing Lieutenant Caldwell, Midship- 
man John S. Dorsey and eight men and wounding six 
others;* No. 4 had a 24-pound shot through her hull; 
No. 6 had her lateen yard shot away; and a 24-pound 
shot hulled No. 8 and killed two men. The rigging and 
sails of some of the other boats were considerably dam- 
aged. " All the officers and men engaged in the action 
behaved with the utmost intrepidity ", reported Com- 
modore Preble to the Secretary of the Navy. On the 
evening of this day the squadron was joined by the 
28-gun frigate John Adams, Master Commandant Isaac 
Chauncey, from the United States. Captain Chauncey 
brought the information that four frigates were soon 
coming out under command of Commodore (Captain) 
Samuel Barron, who, as the senior in rank, would neces- 
sarily supersede Commodore Preble in command of the 
Mediterranean squadron. He also brought a captain's 
commission to Lieutenant Decatur, and commissions to 
Lieutenants Stewart, Hull, Smith and Somers as mas- 
ters commandant. There being no vessel available 
for Decatur's command, he remained with the gunboats. 
Unfavorable conditions prevented further operations 
until August 24. At 8 p. m on that day the squadron 
anchored about two miles and a half from the batteries 
and at midnight the gunboats and mortar vessels were 
sent in to bombard the city. The bombardment began 
at 2 a.m. the 25th and continued until daylight, when 
the boats withdrew. 

* Commodore Preble to Secretary of the Navy, September 18, 1S04, in American 
State Papers (Naval Affairs, I, 133). Commodore Preble's private journal printed 
in the Proceedings of the U. S. Naval Institute (Operations of the Mediterranean 
Squadron under Commodore Edward Preble in 1 So 3-1804), 1879. 



8o LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 The next attack was on August 29. The preceding 
evening was spent in making preparations and at 1.30 
a.m. the 29th the two divisions of gunboats, under 
Captain Decatur and Master Commandant Somers, 
were directed to take a position close to the rocks at the 
entrance to the harbor and within grape shot distance 
of the Bashaw's castle. All the boats of the squadron 
were manned and went in with the gunboats to assist in 
boarding the enemy if necessary, while the Nautilus, 
Vixen, Enterprise, Argus and Siren kept under way 
near by to support the attacking force. The bomb 
vessels were not in a condition to be used. At 3 a.m. 
the gunboats anchored within pistol shot of the rocks 
and opened a heavy fire on the shipping, city, batteries 
and the Bashaw's castle, receiving a warm fire in return. 
At daylight, supposing that the gunboats had expended 
most of their ammunition, the Constitution stood into 
the harbor and at 5.30 a.m. ordered the brigs and 
schooners to take the gunboats in tow and retire from 
action. Standing on, the flagship opened a heavy fire 
on thirteen of the enemy's gunboats and galleys which 
were in close action with our boats, and by sinking one 
and disabling two more caused the others to retreat. 
Running well into the harbor she brought to within 
musket shot of the crown and mole batteries and poured 
a stream of round shot, grape and canister into the 
city, batteries and the Bashaw's castle. At 6.15 a.m. 
she hauled off. In this engagement the American loss 
was three killed and one wounded. All the vessels, 
including the gunboats, had their sails and rigging con- 
siderably cut up. The Turks were reported to have 
suffered severely. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 8l 

The next few days were occupied in making repairs, 1804 
preparing the bomb vessels for service, supplying the 
gunboats with ammunition, etc. On the afternoon of 
September 3, everything being in readiness, Commodore 
Preble ordered another attack. The Tripolitan gun- 
boats and galleys had worked along the eastern side of 
the harbor, to windward, and were outside the rocks 
off Fort English. This was a skillful move on their 
part as it precluded the possibility of the American 
boats running very far into the harbor without leaving 
the enemy in the rear and to windward. The mortar 
vessels were directed to drop down to within the proper 
distance and bombard the city, and the gunboats were 
ordered to attack the Tripolitan boats and galleys to 
windward. At 3.30 p.m. the bomb vessels gained their 
position and began to shell the town. At the same 
time our gunboats bore down upon the enemy, deliver- 
ing a hot fire as they advanced, which was warmly re- 
turned not only by the Turkish boats but also by Fort 
English and a new battery a little to the west. When 
within musket shot the enemy retreated within the 
rocks and under cover of the guns of the fort. Our 
boats, with the Siren, Argus, Vixen, Nautilus and 
Enterprise, followed them as far as the rocks permitted 
them to go with safety. One division of the gunboats, 
with the brigs and schooners, then attacked Fort Eng- 
lish, while the other division engaged the enemy's 
flotilla. Meanwhile, the bomb vessels being greatly ex- 
posed and unsupported, the Constitution ran down past 
them, and, bringing to, fired eleven broadsides into 
the city, castle and batteries, inflicting considerable 
damage. At 4.30 p.m. she signalled the boats to retire 



82 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 in tow of the brigs and schooners and shortly after 
hauled off herself. The damage sustained by the dif- 
ferent vessels in this engagement was almost entirely 
confined, as usual, to the sails and rigging. 

The culminating event of Commodore Preble's opera- 
tions was the attempt to send the ketch Intrepid, pre- 
pared as a floating mine, into the harbor of Tripoli on the 
night of September 4. About one hundred barrels of 
powder and about one hundred and fifty shells were 
put into her and the plan was for Master Commandant 
Somers, Lieutenants Henry Wadsworth and Joseph 
Israel and ten seamen to carry her well into the harbor, 
set fire to a quantity of combustible material communi- 
cating with the magazine, and then escape in two row 
boats. It was hoped that the explosion would destroy 
the enemy's shipping and shatter the Bashaw's castle 
and the city . Dangerous as the undertaking was, officers 
and men eagerly volunteered their services, desirous, 
possibly, of emulating the example of those who had 
so fearlessly recaptured and destroyed the Philadelphia. 
Shortly after 8 p.m. the Intrepid entered the harbor 
under sail, but before she had reached her intended 
destination she suddenly blew up, killing every soul on 
board. The next morning it was seen that one of the 
enemy's gunboats was missing and that three were 
badly damaged. From these circumstances Com- 
modore Preble was led to believe that the Intrepid was 
intercepted by these four boats and that the gallant 
Somers and his brother officers and crew, seeing resist- 
ance was useless, deliberately blew the ketch up, pre- 
ferring death with honor to living slavery. 

The stormy season now coming on, the gunboats and 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 83 

mortar vessels were stripped of their guns, mortars, 1804 
shot and shells on September 5, and two days later the 
John Adams, Siren, Nautilus, Enterprise, and Scourge 
took them in tow and proceeded to Syracuse, arriving 
there September 15. The Constitution, Argus and 
Vixen were left to maintain the blockade. On Sep- 
tember 10 Commodore Preble transferred the com- 
mand of the squadron to Commodore Barron and 
toward the end of December sailed in the John Adams 
for the United States.* 

Macdonough had fairly won his spurs before Tripoli 
and on September 6 he was appointed acting lieutenant 
of the Enterprise. His commission was issued March 
15, 1805, and was sent to Commodore Barron to be num- 
bered and delivered. It was dated May 18, 1804. 
This was what is known in the service as a " gunboat " 
commission, that is, a commission conferring additional 
rank without additional pay and issued by the Presi- 
dent before the Senate's confirmation of an appoint- 
ment. 

Commodore Barron's force consisted of the frigates 
President 44 (flagship), Constitution 44, Congress 38, 
Constellation 38, and Essex 32 ; the 16-gun brigs Argus 
and Siren; the 12-gun schooners Nautilus, Vixen and 
Enterprise; and the 10-gun sloop Hornet (bought at 

* Congress recognized Commodore Preble's services by passing a vote of thanks 
and authorizing the presentation of a gold medal. At the same time the officers, 
petty officers, seamen and marines under his command were thanked " for their 
gallantry and good conduct displayed in the several attacks on the town, batteries 
and naval force of Tripoli ", and the President was requested " to cause a sword 
to be presented to each of the commissioned officers and midshipmen who have 
distinguished themselves in the several attacks." The request was unfortunately 
worded, and as President Jefferson declined to decide the delicate question as to 
what officers had distinguished themselves above their fellows, the swords were 
never presented. 



84 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1804 Malta). During the winter of 1804-5 an d the following 
Spring the blockade of Tripoli was maintained and 
preparations made for resuming active operations 
when the season permitted. The Enterprise, now 
commanded by Lieutenant Thomas Robinson and 
with Macdonough as one of her lieutenants, went to 
Trieste and then to Venice, where she was hauled out 
for repairs. 

1805 Macdonough spent the first few months of 1805 in 
Venice. Apropos to his stay there it is said that before 
leaving Delaware he had become greatly attached to a 
very charming young lady to whom it was currently 
reported he was engaged. About this time, however, 
the rumor reached Delaware that he was about to marry 
an Italian. Venice, moonlight, a pair of dark eyes, 
a young lieutenant and a gondolier conveniently deaf, 
dumb and blind is not an impossible Combination nor 
one forbidden by naval regulations, and perhaps rumor 
did couple his name with that of some daughter of Italy. 
However that may be, when he returned to Delaware 
he found the lady had become engaged to some one else. 

Leaving the Enterprise at Venice, Lieutenant Mac- 
donough went to Ancona to superintend the fitting out 
of four vessels to be used as gunboats. When they 
were ready he sailed with them for Syracuse, and on 
arriving there found peace had been made with Tripoli 
June 3. On rejoining the Enterprise, which had ar- 
rived at Syracuse from Venice, he found Lieutenant 
David Porter in command. Commodore Barron had 
been compelled, on account of ill health, to transfer 
the command of the squadron to Captain John Rodgers. 
The Bey of Tunis showing a disposition to make trouble, 




Macdonough when about Twenty-Two Years of Age 

(Prom a portrait supposed to have been painted in Italy) 
By permission of the Historical Society of Delaware 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 85 

Commodore Rodgers assembled his vessels off Tunis 1805 
July 3 1 and soon brought the refractory prince to terms. 
There was now no necessity for maintaining a large 
force in the Mediterranean and our vessels were gradu- 
ally withdrawn. 

On March 28, 1806, Lieutenant Macdonough ex- 1806 
changed his position as first lieutenant of the Enter- 
prise with Lieutenant Lewis Warrington for the first 
lieutenantcy of the brig Siren, Master Commandant 
John Smith. The Siren's officers at this time were: 

Commander Master Commandant John Smith 

1 st Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough 

2nd Lieutenant Octavius A. Page 

3rd Lieutenant Bernard Henry 

Midshipman Jacqueline B. Harvie 

Midshipman Andrew Stewart 

Assistant Surgeon Michael Graham 

The incident mentioned by Macdonough concerning 
the attempted impressment of a seaman from an Ameri- 
can merchant vessel while the Siren was lying at Gib- 
raltar has been related by different writers in different 
ways and with sundry embellishments, but the story 
loses nothing of its significance by his unaffected and 
sailor-like way of telling it. 

He returned to the United States in the Siren in July, 
1806, after an absence of three years — years which 
contained a great deal of hard work, plenty of danger 
and excitement, some pleasure, and not a little personal 
distinction. His service in the Mediterranean was of 
incalculable benefit to him. It was the best training 
a young officer could have had. It supplemented the 
experience he had gained in the war with France, added 



86 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1806 greatly to his professional knowledge, and developed 
his character. He acquired the habits of self reliance 
and self restraint. Naturally impetuous, he was taught 
to temper rashness with discretion. He learned that 
obedience to his superiors was the best way to compel 
obedience to himself. All the conditions were favorable 
to the cultivation of those qualities of mind and body 
which make not only a good officer but a good citizen. 



CHAPTER VII 
1806-1812 

Condition of the navy following the War with Tripoli — Macdonough visits his 
home in Delaware — Ordered to Middletown, Ct., under Captain Hull — 
Ordered to the Wasp — Joins the John Adams and then the Essex — Takes charge 
of gunboats in Connecticut and Long Island — Furloughed to make voyage in 
merchant service — Correspondence with Secretary of the Navy regarding another 
furlough — Confirmed by Bishop Chase — War declared against Great Britain — 
Applies for service — Ordered to the Constellation — Takes command of gun- 
boats at Portland, Me. — Letter from Captain Bainbridge — Ordered to com- 
mand the naval force on Lake Champlain. 

In order to show the condition of the navy when 1806 
Macdonough entered it I have given a fairly full but 
concise account not only of the reasons for its creation 
but also of its development under the various acts of 
Congress to the present time (1806). Hereafter I shall 
speak of it in general terms and in such a way as to give 
an idea of its contemporary condition and activities in 
relation to Macdonough's life, referring the reader for 
details as to its future growth to such books as Cooper's 
" History of the Navy of the United States ", Emmons' 
" Statistical History of the Navy of the United States ", 
Maclay's " History of the U. S. Navy", and kindred 
works dealing with specific periods and subjects. 

The navy now entered upon a period of comparative 
stagnation. As our commerce grew our navy ought to 
have grown with it, but such was not the case. It is 
not within the scope of this work to discuss the political 
questions at issue between France, England and our- 
selves preceding the War of 181 2, nor to dwell upon the 

87 



88 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS' MACDONOUGH 

1806 severe restrictions placed by those Powers upon our 
trade with foreign ports and the annoyances and indig- 
nities imposed by their commanders upon American 
vessels and American seamen not only on the high sea 
but at our very doors. It is sufficient to say that the 
government did not think it necessary or advisable at 
this time to increase its naval strength materially. 
Two vessels, the Wasp 18 and the Hornet 18, were 
added to the navy list, and it was decided to build a 
large number of gunboats for the protection of vulner- 
able points along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 

On July 30, 1806, Lieutenant Macdonough was de- 
tached from the Siren and placed on waiting orders. 
He took advantage of his temporary relief from active 
duty to visit his home in Delaware. He had been away 
from his family three years, and although his letters 
from the Mediterranean were no doubt full of the stir- 
ring events in that sea and other more peaceful and less 
exciting incidents of the cruise, he probably had to tell 
again more than once, in his quiet country home, of the 
strange sights of foreign lands, about the capture of the 
Meshboha, how they burned the Philadelphia, and what 
it was like to fight hand to hand with a desperate Turk 
on the slippery deck of a gunboat. 

On October 21 he was ordered to Middletown, Ct., 
under Captain Isaac Hull, who was superintending the 
construction of some gunboats there. As the Com- 
modore writes, this was his first visit to Middletown 
and it proved a very happy one, for he met the lady 
who, a few years later, became his wife. After a stay 
in Middletown of about three months, which probably 
seemed all too short to him, he was directed, on Janu- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 89 

ary 16, 1807, to proceed to Washington and join the 1807 
ship Wasp, Master Commandant John Smith, as first 
lieutenant. On January 8 the Senate had confirmed 
his nomination as lieutenant. His commission was 
issued April 17, and was dated February 6, 1807, and 
he was allowed a lieutenant's pay from the time he left 
the Siren. 

Lieutenant Macdonough remained in Washington 
about a week and then went to Baltimore to enlist men 
for the ship. Being unable to get all the men he needed 
in Baltimore, he went to New York on March 8 to ship 
one hundred more, for whom the Wasp was waiting to 
put to sea. On the way from Baltimore to New York 
the stage upset and he got an ugly fall, but luckily es- 
caped without any broken bones. Writing from New 
York on March 1 1 to Mr. William Vandeursen, of Mid- 
dletown, whom he addresses as " dear Van ", he says: 
" I came on here to ship the remainder of the crew (one 
hundred men) and expect to be at least a month in 
shipping them owing to the low wages. In the mean- 
time you must write me often for the ship is ready for 
sea and will sail immediately the above men are pro- 
cured." He concludes the letter by saying: " I would 
make this longer but the sailors are making such a noise 
together with the drum and fife and fiddle they con- 
fuse me or would the devil himself, who has a larger 
rendezvous open than I have." 

The Wasp sailed from Washington for England and 
France with despatches, returning by way of the Medi- 
terranean. After cruising in that sea a few months she 
was recalled and reached the United States the last 
of the year. During her absence the unfortunate 



90 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGR 

1807 encounter between the Chesapeake and the British 
ship Leopard occurred (June 22). The officers of the 
Wasp on this cruise were : 

Commander Master Commandant John Smith 

1 st Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough 

2nd Lieutenant Octavius A. Page 

3rd Lieutenant Bernard Henry 

4th Lieutenant John Downes 

Midshipman Henry E. Ballard 

Midshipman John Porter 

Midshipman Joseph J. Nicholson 

Midshipman William B. Finch 

Midshipman Jacqueline B. Harvie 

Midshipman John H. Wood 

Midshipman William B. Shubrick 

Midshipman Jesse Wilkinson 

Assistant Surgeon Michael Graham 



&* 



It is curious that Captain Smith should have had 
with him on the Wasp the three lieutenants, the surgeon, 
and one of the two midshipmen who sailed with him on 
the Siren. 

The embargo act was passed December 22, and the 
1808 next year, 1808, was spent by the Wasp in cruising 
along the coast between Boston and Charleston enforc- 
ing its provisions. The following letter, addressed to 
Lieutenant Macdonough at Passamaquoddy, brought 
to mind his old squadron commander in the Mediter- 
ranean and the exciting days in those waters. 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MACDONOUGH 

Navy Department, April 30th, 1808. 

Sir; I herewith transmit to you an impression of the 

medal presented to the late Commodore Edward Preble in 

pursuance of the resolution of Congress of the 3d March, 1805. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 91 

This is given to you as one of the officers of the navy who 1808 
honorably participated in the gallant achievement the memory 
of which it is intended to preserve. 

I have the honor to be respectfully, sir, your obt st, 

Rt. Smith. 

On January 31, 1809, Congress authorized the Presi- 1809 
dent to fit out and man the frigates United States, 
President and Essex and the ship John Adams in addi- 
tion to the vessels already in service. In February or 
March Lieutenant Macdonough joined the John Adams 
at Washington, being ordered to Washington from the 
Wasp by Captain Smith. On March 3 1 he was directed 
to join the Essex, to which Captain Smith had also been 
transferred. This was Macdonough's third assignment 
to sea duty under that officer — first on the Siren, then 
on the Wasp, and now on the Essex. Each had prob- 
ably a strong liking for the other, and the young lieu- 
tenant was fortunate in serving under one who was no 
doubt both an able officer and a congenial friend. 

The Essex was at Washington preparing for sea, and 
on April 22 Macdonough was ordered to Harper's Ferry 
to procure arms from the government arsenal for her 
marines. He remained on the Essex until September 2, 
when he was directed to take charge of the gunboats in 
Connecticut and Long Island. On leaving the Essex at 
New York the following letter was addressed to him : 

CREW OF THE ESSEX TO MACDONOUGH 

Sep. 6th, 1809. 
Respected Sir; We, the warrant & Petty officers, Sea- 
men, ordinary seamen and Landsmen of the U. S. Frigate 
Essex, John Smith Esq. Commander, do learn with heartfelt 
sorrow your intention of leaving the Ship. Permit us, Sir, 
before your departure to return you our most Sincere thanks 



92 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1809 and acknowledgments for your officer-like Conduct and 
Philanthropy during the time we have had the happiness of 
being under your Command as Second officer. We don't 
Wish to trouble you with a great Harangue. We can only 
assure you, Sir, that we all feel as one in the cause of Regret 
at your about to leave the Ship. 

We do Sincerely Wish and hope your Successor will tread 
the steps which you have to Render the Crew as Comfortable 
as possible. 

We have only to add, Sir, that we wish you all the happiness 
that man can enjoy, and may He who holds the Destiny of 
Mankind guide you Safe through life and Pilot you at last to 
the harbour of Rest is the Hearty prayer of the Subscribers. 

To this letter there are thirty-seven signatures and 
Jeremiah Johnson signs " for the remaining part of the 
within mentioned crew." The lieutenant had visited 
Middletown frequently after being detached from duty 
there early in 1807. The reason for his visits we may 
easily surmise, and the wishes for his future happiness 
contain the intimation that he had prospered in his woo- 
ing. This letter brings new qualities into prominence. 
To the dash and courage he had shown under Preble 
in the Mediterranean we now find added a thoughtful 
regard for the comfort and welfare of those under him. 
This quality was sure to make him popular with his 
men, for while Jack has, or had in those days, at least, 
the reputation of being a chronic grumbler, he knew 
when he was well treated, and the letter shows that the 
crew of the Essex appreciated the young officer's inter- 
est in their condition. A similar letter was received by 
him a few years later. In 1820 the crew of the Guer- 
riere presented him with a handsome sword in appre- 
ciation of his efforts to promote the " comfort and 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 93 

happiness ' of his men. While these incidents are 1809 
unimportant in themselves, they are valuable as side 
lights on his character. 

Under the naval policy adopted at the close of the 
war with Tripoli the government had now a number of 
gunboats distributed at different points along the coast 
from Maine to New Orleans. Some of these were in 
commission and some were laid up in ordinary. Lieu- 
tenant Macdonough's assignment of September 2 gave 
him charge of two gunboats at Middletown, Ct., two at 
Norwich, Ct., and apparently some on Long Island but 
I cannot place them. He made his headquarters at 
Middletown and spent most of his time there, his duties 
being light and requiring only occasional absences. A 
gunboat command was not a desirable billet under 
ordinary circumstances. This fact was recognized 
both by the officers themselves and by the Navy Depart- 
partment. In writing to the Chairman of the Naval 
Committee of the Senate in February, 181 4, the Sec- 
retary of the Navy said : " That service is, at best, un- 
popular with the regular officers of the navy. * * * 
Those officers who are deficient in experience are justly 
averse to the flotilla service because they can acquire 
but very little useful professional knowledge ; and, in- 
deed, it is a service in which those who are to form the 
officers for the ships of war ought not to be engaged." 

As the Commodore writes, the navy at this time was 
not very popular. There seemed to be but little pros- 
pect of advancement in the government service and 
many officers either resigned or secured furloughs and 
entered the merchant service temporarily. Stewart 
and Bainbridge were among those in the latter class. 



94 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1809 A statement prepared by the Secretary of the Navy a 
little later (February 3, 181 2) shows that out of the 
ninety-one captains, masters commandant and lieuten- 
ants then in the service, one (Captain James Barron) 
was suspended and nineteen, or twenty-one per cent, 
were on half pay (furlough) . 

1810 Discouraged by these conditions and tiring of inac- 
tivity, Macdonough applied to the Navy Department 
for a furlough of twelve or fourteen months for the pur- 
pose of making a voyage to the East Indies in the mer- 
chant service. The Department granted his request 
April 21, 1 8 10, having previously ordered him to Wash- 
ington April 2 to settle his accounts in connection with 
the gunboats which had been under his charge for the 
past seven months. For some reason his furlough 
was revoked on May 9 and he was ordered to the Chesa- 
peake, but on May 22 he was again given permission to 
make the East India voyage. He sailed from New 
York in June for Liverpool and Calcutta in command of 
the brig Gulliver of Boston. After an uneventful voy- 

181 1 age he arrived at Boston August 10, 181 1, with a mis- 
cellaneous cargo which was sold at auction on India 
wharf September 12. The rich freights brought home 
by these India traders formed the foundation of many 
a solid fortune of to-day. In the Gulliver's hold were 
990 bales and boxes of cotton and silk goods; 16 bales 
of senna ; 83 bags of gall nuts ; 1 2 boxes of gum copal ; 
48 boxes of borax; 35 boxes of shellac; 281 bundles of 
twine ; 1 7 bales of goat skins ; 1 1 1 coils, 3 2 bundles and 
32 bags of lines, cords, etc. ; 95 coils of white rope; 50 
coils of cole rope; 154 bolts of cotton canvas; 14,125 
gunny bags; 15 bags of sugar; 36 bales of Calcutta 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 95 

cotton goods; 7 bales of bandanna handkerchiefs; 100 181 1 
tons of Campeachy logwood ; 42 boxes of Brazil sugar; 
94 barrels of pot and pearl ashes; 10 casks of manna; 
and 50 bolts of India hempen canvas. 

There is a tradition in the family that while the Gul- 
liver was lying at Liverpool a press gang seized Mac- 
donough on shore despite his assertion that he was an 
officer of the American navy and carried him on board 
an English frigate, from which he escaped the same day. 
There is no mention in the Commodore's papers of any 
such occurrence nor have I been able to verify the story 
from any other source. If such a thing actually hap- 
pened it would have been Macdonough's duty, as an 
officer, to report it to Washington, and it is not likely 
that our government or any government, however 
supine, would have hesitated to demand an instant 
and ample apology for the national insult. 

As soon as he had concluded the numerous duties 
incident to relinquishing command of the Gulliver, he 
hastened to Middletown and reported from there on 
August 25 his return to the United States. At the 
same time he expressed a wish to make another East 
India voyage and some interesting correspondence 
followed. 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

Middletown, August 25th, 1811. 
Honble. Paul Hamilton, 

Sir; I acquaint you with my arrival in this country and 
that I have performed the India voyage agreeably to the per- 
mission you gave me. 

A vessel is now preparing in Boston for India. The mer- 
chants much wish me to go in her, and I have so far, sir, pre- 



96 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

l8l I sumed on your granting me the permission as to take charge 
of her. As I am in honor bound to fulfill a domestic engage- 
ment, returning to the naval service would prevent it and 
expose me to censure and reproach. At the same time, sir, 
I shall hold myself in readiness (after this voyage) to attend 
to any command you may please to favour me. 
I have the honor to be, sir, your obt. sert. 

T. Macdonough. 
Honble. Paul Hamilton. 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MACDONOUGH 

Navy Department, 29 Augt., 1S11. 
Lieut. T. Macdonough, 

Middletown, Connt. 
I have received your letter of the 25 th instant and am happy 
to hear of your safe return to the United States. 

Under existing circumstances I cannot consistently with 
my duty to the public grant the furlough you have asked. 

Paul Hamilton. 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

Middletown, Septr. 26th, 181 1. 
Honble. Paul Hamilton, 

Sir; I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of the 29th August. 

When I asked my last furlough from you, sir, I was under 
engagements to some merchants in Boston to sail their vessel 
as well as some of a domestic nature, both of which I felt 
myself bound in honor to fulfill, and am now called upon to 
do so. Could you now consistently place me on furlough 
with permission to leave the United States I should much 
prefer it to leaving the navy entirely. Could you not, sir, I 
assure you I am with much reluctance compelled to beg you 
to accept of my resignation. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obt. hul. sert. 

T. Macdonough. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 97 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MACDONOUGH 1811 

Navy Department, 15 Octo., 1811. 
Lt. T. Macdonough, 

Middletown, Conn. 
Your letter of the 26th ult. was considered. The high 
character you have sustained in the service disposes me to 
grant you every reasonable indulgence. You were certainly 
wrong in making any private engagements which required 
your leaving the United States without my previous permis- 
sion & of this you cannot, from your feelings as an officer, but 
be sensible on reflection. Your having done so has induced 
me to hesitate upon the proper answer to be given your propo- 
sition to resign if you could not have a furlough. As this, 
however, is the first instance of your having in any degree 
acted exceptionally since you have belonged to the navy, I 
have thought fit to overlook it & to grant you the further 
indulgence asked by you. You will, therefore, consider your- 
self on furlough for the purpose of making a voyage in the 
merchant service & on your return you will report yourself to 

this Department. 

P. Hamilton. 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

Middletown, Octr. 15th, 181 1. 
Honble Paul Hamilton, 

Sir; I wish to prepare myself to enter the merchant 
service but previous to taking any steps to that effect I 
suppose it necessary to be notified of the acceptance of my 
resignation or of my being placed on furlough and to have 
your permission to leave the United States. 

The probability of my having lucrative employment out of 
Boston causes me to solicit in this manner your answer. 

I am very respectfully, sir, your most obt. humb. sert. 

T. Macdonough. 
Resignation to be accepted.* 

P. H. 

* This endorsement of Paul Hamilton on the original letter is crossed out. — 
Author. 



98 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

181 1 There were two reasons, apparently, why Mac- 
donough asked for a second furlough. He states the 
first reason very plainly, namely, that he had agreed to 
take out another vessel to India. The position taken 
by the Secretary of the Navy as to the propriety of 
making such an agreement before obtaining the Depart- 
ment's permission to do so was undoubtedly correct. 
The second reason — a " domestic engagement " — is 
not plain. He could not, obviously, have referred to 
his marriage in view of his intended voyage to India, 
which would mean an absence of twelve or fourteen 
months, and of the fact that he did not marry until 
December of the following year. From his manner of 
writing and particularly his reference to ' lucrative 
employment ' ' I am inclined to think that his obligations 
of a " domestic nature " were pecuniary in character 
and that he intended to discharge them out of the prof- 
its of a part interest in an India bound vessel of which 
he was also to be the commander. It is interesting to 
note that althought the Secretary of the Navy granted 
a furlough on October 15, he endorsed on Macdonough's 
letter of the same date " Resignation to be accepted." 
It does not appear why or when the endorsement was 
crossed out. The young officer stood well with his 
superiors and it may be that some friend at court 
induced the Secretary to reconsider his action, and 
possibly Macdonough never knew how near he came to 
being dropped from the navy list. 

There appear to have been some changes in the 
plans communicated by Macdonough to the Secretary 
of the Navy August 25 and September 26, for instead 
of sailing from Boston for India he left New York 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 99 

March 14, 181 2, for Lisbon as commander of the ship 1812 
Jeannette Snow. He probably intended to proceed 
from Lisbon to Calcutta. The Commodore's private 
papers show that he had a one-fourth interest in the 
ship, which tends to prove the correctness of the con- 
jecture respecting his reasons for making another voy- 
age in the merchant service. The non -intercourse law 
which he says prevented his voyage in the Jeannette 
Snow was one of a series of retaliatory measures, similar 
in their general character, adopted by our government 
between 1809 and 181 2. The particular act referred to 
was passed April 4 of this year and laid an embargo of 
ninety days on American trade with foreign ports. 

After this disastrous venture he returned to Middle- 
town. It was while he was living there quietly and 
happily in the enjoyment of the daily companionship 
of those he loved that he became a communicant of the 
Episcopal Church. His parents were members of the 
ancient Episcopal parish of St. Ann's, in Delaware, but 
there had been no opportunity for him to be confirmed 
before leaving home to enter the navy. Since then he 
had been almost constantly on active duty, exposed to 
the usual temptations wilich beset a young officer and 
under no moral restraint but that imposed by an in- 
stinctive desire to live a cleanly life. But the gentle 
influences by which he was now surrounded disposed 
him to take upon himself the vows made for him at his 
baptism, and that sturdy pillar of the Church, Bishop 
Philander Chase, writes that he prepared and presented 
him for confirmation while rector of Christ Church, 
Hartford. 

The United States had long chafed under maritime 



IOO LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1812 conditions which were galling to a young, high spirited 
and enterprising nation. These conditions had been 
the cause of endless discussions in Congress and Par- 
liament, but discussion had not prevented our ships 
from being harried nor our sailors from being impressed. 
So intolerable had the situation become that we were 
now compelled to maintain our contention by the 
sword, and war was formally declared against Great 
Britain on June 18. 

The sea -going naval force of the United States at 
this time consisted of the President 44, Constitution 44, 
United States 44, Chesapeake 38, Congress 38, Constel- 
lation 38, New York 36, Essex 32, Adams 28, Boston 
28, John Adams 28, Wasp 18, Hornet 18, Argus 16, 
Siren 16, Nautilus 14, Vixen 14, Enterprise 12 and 
Viper 12. Of these the New York and Boston were so 
decayed that they were worthless. In addition, the 
navy also possessed one hundred and seventy gunboats 
for coast and harbor defense, the brig Oneida 16 on 
Lake Ontario, and two gunboats on Lake Champlain. 

News travelled slowly at that time and several days 
passed before it was known in Middletown that the 
United States had declared war against England. 
When the news reached there Lieutenant Macdonough 
at once sent the Secretary of the Navy the following 
letter, written, probably the day the information was 
received : 



MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

Middletown, June 26th, 1812. 
Sir; The United States now being at war, I solicit your 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH IOI 

order for service in the navy and hope you will favor me with 1812 
such a situation as in your opinion I am suited to hold. 
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obt sert 

T. Macdonough. 
Honble Paul Hamilton. 

Three weeks later he received orders, dated July 17, 
to join the Constellation as first lieutenant. He has- 
tened to Washington and found the Constellation being 
repaired with no probability of being ready for service 
for five or six months. This condition of affairs was 
likely to try the patience of her officers, who probably 
preferred "a wet sheet and a flowing sea", especially 
in war time with a prospect of prize money and glory, 
to the unexciting task of preparing the vessel for serv- 
ice. To one of Macdonough's temperament this kind 
of employment was indeed " irksome", as he said. He 
wanted to be up and doing, and as all the vessels in 
active service had their full complement of officers, he 
asked for and secured (August 14) the command of the 
division of gunboats at Portland, Me. The next day 
he informed Captain William Bainbridge, who had been 
selected to command the Constellation, of his new 
assignment and received the following reply : 

CAPTAIN BAINBRIDGE TO MACDONOUGH 

Navy Yard, Charlestown, 
23d August, 181 2. 
My dear Sir; I this day received your official letter of 
the 15th inst. advising me that you had obtained the Secre- 
tary of the Navy's permission to leave the Constellation and 
was to be stationed at Portland. I regret exceedingly this 
change for several considerations. First, that the country 
will lose your valuable services on the main. Secondly, that 



102 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

l8l2 you will, I think, lose an opportunity of acquiring fame and 
making your fortune, for if / can only run away from our coast 
I feel confident the Constellation will do something clever. 
Thirdly, I shall lose an excellent first lieutenant, one in whom 
I have the highest confidence. But if love and the Gods have 
decreed it otherwise I must be satisfied, and wherever you go 
you carry my best wishes for your happiness. 

I trust ere this you have received many seamen for the 
Constellation. In 2 or 3 days I shall send thirty fine fellows 
from here, with 3 anchors. I regret the mast pieces had not 
reached Washington when you last wrote. Those c-ssed 
masts will detain me. Whoever may be the lieutenant that 
relieves you, impress on his mind my wishes and the necessity 
of daily exercising the crew at the great guns & small arms 
and to station them as fast as they are received, which will 
discover the capability of each for the station assigned him 
and enable to make the proper change before getting to sea. 

I shall expect to see you on your way to Portland to com- 
municate to you my disposition of the boats there. 

Tell Lt. Brooks I received his message in your letter. I 
expect Capn Smith will be the commanding officer of the 
marines. If he wishes a second place I should be glad to have 
him, but I am in hopes he will get a first situation, which 
certainly is more desirable. Make my respects to him and 
inform him his father is well and his brother was quite well 
3 days since when he marched from here for Albany. 

The good people here expect a speedy peace. What is the 
talk in the metropolis of our country? 

Believe me with real friendship. 

Yours sincerely, 

Wm. Baixbridge. 
Lt. Thomas Macdonough, 

U. S. Frigate Constellation, 
City Washington. 

Captain Bainbridge not only pays a high compliment 
to Macdonough's ability as an officer but indicates the 
esteem in which he held him as a friend, and the friend- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 103 

ship of a man like Bainbridge was well worth having. 1812 
The letter also affords an excellent illustration of the 
feeling which prevailed in the navy generally that the 
American vessels would give a good account of them- 
selves if opposed to an equal force in a dual engagement. 

The officers of the navy had, before the war com- 
menced, a proper confidence in themselves profession- 
ally, and were animated by a desire to wipe out the 
insult the service had sustained in the attack of the 
English frigate Leopard on the unresisting frigate Ches- 
apeake." * This feeling of confidence was not shared 
in, however, by the country at large nor by the govern- 
ment. 

Macdonough was fortunate in being detached from 
the Constellation for by the time she was ready to sail, 
which was in January of the next year, a strong British 
force was blockading Chesapeake Bay and she never 
got to sea until after the war. The division of gun- 
boats of which he had been appointed the immediate 
commander, succeeding Lieutenant Joseph J. Nichol- 
son, was under the general supervision, at this time, of 
Captain Bainbridge. By an order of the latter dated 
August 22 the boats were stationed as follows, viz. : Bos- 
ton, 2 ; Cape Ann, 1 ; Portsmouth, 1 ; Kennebunk, 1 ; 
Saco, 1 ; Portland, 4. On the above date Captain 
Bainbridge wrote to Lieutenant Nicholson: " The com- 
manders of the boats below Portsmouth must regularly 
report to you. The others must report direct to me. 
The boats stationed at the different places must in the 

* " The Life and Services of Commodore Josiah Tattnall." Tattnall and 
Macdonough were together on the Constellation in 1812, the former as midship- 
man and the latter as lieutenant, and again on the Constitution in 1824-5, one as 
lieutenant and the other as captain. 



104 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1812 day time, when the weather permits, proceed to sea 
and look along the coast, returning every evening into 
the harbour where they are stationed." 

The Commodore writes that he remained at Portland 
some months, but in this he is mistaken. He did not 
reach there until September 7, and he left October 5, 
having been ordered on September 28 to take imme- 
diate command of the naval force on Lake Champlain. 
He was at Portland, therefore, only about a month. It 
was pretty well known now among his friends that he 
was soon to marry and some of them bantered him on 
the subject not a little both personally and by letter, 
but he took it all good naturedly, as a prospective 
Benedick should. 

Among his papers is a bill for $75 for the use of " a 
horse and chaise " from Portland to Burlington, Vt. 
He writes that the journey was fatiguing. If he had 
gone more into details I suspect we would find that the 
most uncomfortable part of the trip was that made on 
horseback, for sailors, as a rule, are not partial to that 
means of locomotion. But if the journey was tire- 
some and the discomforts not a few, as an offset it was 
made at a most favorable time. No one who has 
traversed this region in the Fall of the year can remain 
insensible to the beauties of nature and her inimitable 
handiwork when, with the crisp coolness of the October 
breeze upon his cheek, his eye takes in the hills and 
mountains clothed in the glory of autumnal dyes. The 
vast spaces of the giant canvas filled with a riot of color 
from fiery red to sombre brown is a sight never to be 
forgotten. 

Before Macdonough left the seaboard for the lake 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 105 

several important events occurred. On July 17 the 181 2 
frigate Constitution, Captain Isaac Hull, fell in with a 
British squadron but escaped through the masterly- 
seamanship of her commander; on August 13 the frig- 
ate Essex, Captain David Porter, captured the British 
ship Alert, Captain Laugharne; and on August 19 the 
Constitution, Captain Hull, captured the English frig- 
ate Guerriere, Captain Dacres. These successes, par- 
ticularly the last, restored a certain amount of public 
confidence in the little navy which was coping with 
such a giant antagonist. The only loss so far sustained 
was the capture of the brig Nautilus, Lieutenant 
William M. Crane, on July 16, by the British squadron 
which the Constitution fell in with the next day and led 
such a long stern chase. 



CHAPTER VIII 
1812-1813 

Lake Champlain — Its early wars — Difficulties encountered by our lake 
commanders — American naval force on Lake Champlain at beginning of the war 
— Macdonough prepares it for service — Supports General Dearborn in move- 
ment to the north — Goes into winter quarters at Shelburne, Vt. — His marriage 
- — Enters the lake in Spring of 181 3 — Loss of the Growler and Eagle — Report of 
Sailing Master Loomis, commanding the Eagle — Macdonough directed to regain 
ascendency on the lake — Prepares another force at Burlington — The British 
land at Plattsburg and threaten Burlington — American force re-enters the lake — 
Macdonough declines to co-operate in a joint attack on Isle aux Noix — Supports 
General Hampton in his attempted invasion of Canada — Goes into winter quarters 
at Vergennes, Vt. 

1812 Lake Champlain extends in a nearly north and 
south direction. South of Burlington it gradually nar- 
rows, and from Fort Ticonderoga to Whitehall it is 
hardly more than a river. Its average width north of 
Burlington is about ten miles from shore to shore and 
the distance from Whitehall, at its southern extremity, 
to the Canada line is one hundred and eight miles. 

No body of water in the United States is richer in 
historical associations. Long before the French tongue 
was heard on the lake the Five Nations claimed it as 
their own. They fished in its depths and hunted 
within sound of its waters. Their camp-fires glowed red 
along its dusky shores and many a Mohawk paddle was 
thrust deep into its silver bosom in search of the fierce 
Algonquins of the north. Since the coming of Cham- 
plain its waters have reflected alternately the cloud of 
the white man's warring and the sun of the white man's 
peace. During the French and Indian war the lake 

106 






^h SI 






& 



^ 



CHAPTER VIII 
1812-1813 

Lake Champlain — Its early wars — Difficulties encountered by our lake 
commanders — American naval force on Lake Champlain at beginning of the war 

— Macdonough prepares it for service — Supports General Dearborn in move- 
ment to the north — Goes into winter quarters at Shelburne, Vt. — His marriage 

— Enters the lake in Spring of 181 3 — Loss of the Growler and Eagle — Report of 
Sailing Master Loomis, commanding the Eagle — Macdonough directed to regain 
ascendency on the lake — Prepares another force at Burlington — The British 
land at Plattsburg and threaten Burlington — American force re-enters the lake — 
Macdonough declines to co-operate in a joint attack on Isle aux Noix — Supports 
General Hampton in his attempted invasion of Canada — Goes into winter quarters 
at Vergennes, Vt. 

i8 I2 Lake Champlain extends in a nearly north and 
south direction. South of Burlington it gradually nar- 
rows, and from Fort Ticonderoga to Whitehall it is 
hardly more than a river. Its average width north of 
Burlington is about ten miles from shore to shore and 
the distance from Whitehall, at its southern extremity, 
to the Canada line is one hundred and eight miles. 

No body of water in the United States is richer in 
historical associations. Long before the French tongue 
was heard on the lake the Five Nations claimed it as 
their own. They fished in its depths and hunted 
within sound of its waters. Their camp-fires glowed red 
along its dusky shores and many a Mohawk paddle was 
thrust deep into its silver bosom in search of the fierce 
Algonquins of the north. Since the coming of Cham- 
plain its waters have reflected alternately the cloud of 
the white man's warring and the sun of the white man's 
peace. During the French and Indian war the lake 

106 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 07 

formed a convenient highway for the incursions of 1812 
both parties. In the war which followed between the 
English and the French the upper end of the lake was 
the scene of important operations directed against 
Crown Point and Ticonderoga, over which floated 
France's fleur de lis. Their capture was followed by 
the reduction of the French forts on the Richelieu 
River and the surrender of Montreal. These were the 
days of " La Longue Carabine ", " Le Renard Subtil ", 
and Uncas. Later, when England and the American 
colonies came to the parting of the ways, there was 
hardly a foot of the lake and its borders unfamiliar with 
warlike scenes. Again the tide of battle ebbed and 
flowed about Crown Point and Ticonderoga ; over the 
forts on the Richelieu waved alternately the American 
and the Royal standard ; and from off Valcour Island 
Arnold's beaten and crippled fleet stole southward in 
the darkness of the night. Now, after a few years of 
peace, England and the United States were to con- 
tend again for the mastery of its waters. The lake lies 
almost entirely within the United States, and although 
our command of it was deemed essential from the begin- 
ning of the war, the full importance of its control did 
not develop until toward the close of hostilities. 

A distinct and serious handicap was imposed upon 
our lake commanders in the War of 1 8 1 2 by the neces- 
sity of practically creating their inland navies. On 
Lake Champlain the British were at the same disad- 
vantage, but while they had, at the beginning of the 
war, very respectable forces on Lake Erie and Lake 
Ontario, we had no vessel on the former lake and only 
one on the latter. The 16 -gun brig Oneida on Lake 



IOS LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1812 Ontario was the nucleus of Chauncey's squadron of 
8 vessels and 228 guns which engaged the attention of 
Captain Sir James Lucas Yeo toward the end of the 
war; from the captured 2 -gun brig Caledonia grew 
Perry's Lake Erie squadron of 9 vessels and 54 guns to 
which Captain Robert Heriot Barclay struck in 18 13; 
and from the diminutive force of 2 gunboats, with one 
12-pounder each, on Lake Champlain, there was devel- 
oped the squadron of 14 vessels and 86 guns which hum- 
bled the pride of England's Royal Navy in 181 4. 

At this time there was a very respectable fleet on the 
lake engaged in trade, principally with Canada. In 
181 1 the records of the customs district of Champlain, 
which included the western side of the lake only, 
showed 190 clearances between April 10 and Decem- 
ber 10 and over half a million dollars in exports for the 
year. At the outbreak of the war the United States 
naval force on the lake consisted of two gunboats built 
in 1808, and the English had two or three of the same 
kind of craft in the Richelieu River. The American 
boats were lying in Basin Harbor, on the Vermont side. 
One of them was partly sunk and the seams of both 
were so open as almost to admit the hand. Lieutenant 
Sidney Smith was the commanding naval officer until 
superseded by Macdonough. When the troops began 
to assemble on the Champlain frontier, the War Depart- 
ment bought six sloops to be used as army transports. 
' Six vessels have been purchased by the War Depart- 
ment ", read the Secretary of the Navy's order of Sep- 
tember 28, " and there are two gunboats built by the 
Navy Department on the lake, the whole of which is to 
be under vour direction and command." 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH IO9 

Macdonough arrived at Burlington on or about Octo- 1812 
ber 8, and from there he crossed to Plattsburg to see 
General Dearborn. The latter, who was directed by 
the Secretary of War to turn over the six transports to 
the navy, objected very strongly to the appointment of 
an independent naval commander and declined to give 
up the President, the largest and best of the six sloops, 
without explicit instructions from Mr. Madison. From 
Plattsburg Macdonough went to Whitehall, where he 
arrived October 13, and began fitting the two gunboats 
and the sloops Hunter and Bull Dog for service. The 
other three vessels he reported as too old to carry guns, 
and they were retained by the War Department as 
transports. 

It was necessary to impart some degree of efficiency 
to his force as soon as possible as it was needed to co- 
operate with the army in a contemplated move against 
the enemy. Without wasting any time in wondering 
what could be done and how to do it, Macdonough took 
off his coat (literally, no doubt) and set to work to get 
the flotilla into the best condition he could with the 
means at his command. One of the first things he did 
was to write to Captain Hull at New York for men and 
stores. Captain Hull replied November 3 that the 
stores would be sent but that it would be impossible for 
him to furnish the men as he could not get half enough 
for the vessels fitting out at New York, " and men are 
not to be got. * * * What you will do for men I can- 
not tell." The severity of the climate, the remoteness 
from the centres of population and the character of the 
service made it very hard to secure crews from the sea- 
board for the lake vessels. The condition was met, as 



IIO LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1812 will be seen later, by employing soldiers to fill out the 
ships' companies, which was a very unsatisfactory plan 
but the only thing to be done. Another disadvantage 
Macdonough labored under was the necessity of pro- 
curing all his naval stores at New York. It was easy 
enough to load them on a sailing vessel and carry them 
up the Hudson River to Albany, but from there they 
had to be transported in wagons over roads which were 
poor at the best and impassable in bad weather. The 
difficulty in securing men and the delay in transport- 
ing munitions of war and other necessary articles were 
applicable, of course, to all the lake stations, but the 
latter disadvantage applied to the Lake Champlain 
station in a less degree, perhaps, than to the others 
owing to its relative nearness to Albany, the distribut- 
ing point, which was 78 miles from Whitehall. 

It should be understood that, in speaking of the 
difficulties he encountered in " a part of the country 
where nobody knew anything that was necessary to be 
done ", Macdonough did not mean to disparage the 
ability of the lake builders and ship carpenters to fit 
out vessels for ordinary commercial use. What he 
meant was that the lake men were ignorant of every- 
thing pertaining to a vessel of war — so ignorant that 
' mechanical assistance and naval supplies offered in 
their application a phenomenon to the surrounding 
citizens of Champlain." * 

As soon as each vessel was in as serviceable a con- 
dition as possible it was sent to Plattsburg. The Hun- 
ter, Lieutenant Sidney Smith, arrived there October 31, 
and the Bull Dog, Lieutenant Macdonough, with the 

* Officers of the Lake Champlain squadron to Macdonough, November n, 1S14. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH III 

two gunboats, reached there a few days later. The 1812 
Hunter carried two 12's, four 6's, and one long 18 on a 
pivot. The Bull Dog was armed with six 6's, and one 
18 on a pivot. The gunboats had one long 12 each. 
These figures are from official sources. It may be well 
to call attention here to the fact that the armaments of 
some of the vessels in the Lake Champlain squadron 
varied from time to time as prudence or necessity 
required. 

On November 16 General Dearborn left Plattsburg 
at the head of 5,000 regulars and militia and advanced 
toward Canada, with his right supported by Mac- 
donough. On the morning of the 20th a British force 
was encountered at the Lacolle River, about four miles 
across the line. After a smart skirmish General Dear- 
born fell back and the combined land and naval forces 
returned to Plattsburg November 23 after a fruitless 
expedition. It was now too late in the season to carry 
on any extended operations, and early in December 
his " poor forlorn looking squadron ", as its com- 
mander pathetically called it, went into winter quar- 
ters at Shelburne, six miles and a half south of 
Burlington. Some time during the Fall the President 
(six 18's and two long 12's) was given up by General 
Dearborn and was included by Macdonough in a 
report to the Secretary of the Navy December 20. 

Macdonough now set about bringing another cam- 
paign to a close. Obtaining leave of absence from the 
Navy Department he went to Middletown where, on 
December 12, he married Lucy Ann Shaler, daughter 
of Nathaniel and Lucretia Ann (Denning) Shaler, and 
took her back with him to spend the winter at Bur- 



112 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1812 lington. The bride's father was of English stock, bom 
and brought up in Middletown, and in his younger days 
had been a staunch Tory. Her mother was the daugh- 
ter of William Denning of New York, prominent in his 
state during and after the Revolution and a friend of 
Washington. Mrs. Macdonough was a charming and 
accomplished woman and a happier marriage would be 
hard to rind. Among those who sent their congratu- 
lations was laullow Hash wood, purser at the Portland 
station. " Permit me to congratulate you ", he wrote, 
" on your having accomplished your wish in changing 
the name of your Mam to one much more dear, espe- 
cially as it was with the adviceand consent of theSenate. 
Should you again arrive amongst us as our commander 
you little think with what pleasure you would be 
greeted." He added: " Your force is respectable and 
should the war continue, your friends anticipate a great 
deal from your next Spring's movements." 

While Macdonough was busy on Lake Champlain 
our little navy had gathered fresh laurels on the sea. 
On October 25 the frigate United States, Captain 
Stephen Decatur, captured the British frigate Mace- 
donian, Captain Carden, and on December 29 the frigate 
Constitution, Captain William Bainbridge, took the 
British frigate Java, Captain Lambert. Our losses 
were unimportant compared with our victories. On 
October 18 the sloop of war Wasp. Master Command- 
ant Jacob Jones, having previously captured the 
British sloop o( war Frolic, Captain Whinyates, was 
herself taken by the British frigate Loictiers, Captain 
Beresford, and on November jj the brig Vixen, Lieu- 
tenant 0. W. Read, struck to the British frigate South- 
ampton, Captain Yeo. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH II3 

During the winter of 1812-13 Macdonough made his 1813 
headquarters at Burlington and busied himself in put- 
ting his force in a more efficient condition. At his 
request he was furnished with fifteen ship carpenters 
from New York the middle of February, and in March 
a supply of carronades, gun carriages, ammunition etc. 
was sent to Whitehall to be forwarded to Shclburne by 
water as soon as the season permitted. The Hunter 
and Bull Dog had quarterdecks extending one-third 
forward, on which no guns could be mounted with 
safety. These decks were removed and five guns placed 
on each side instead of three as before, making eleven 
guns on each vessel instead of seven. 

In April he entered the lake with the following force: 



Sloop President 


12 guns - 


t 4 long 12's 


Sloop Growler 
Sloop Eagle 


11 guns < 
11 guns 1 


f 2 short 18's 

10 6's 
I 10 18's (carronades) 


2 gunboats 


2 guns 


112 each 



36 



The President was commanded by Lieutenant 
Macdonough, the Growler by Lieutenant Sidney 
Smith, and the Eagle by Sailing Master Jairus Loomis. 
The Growler and Eagle were formerly the Hunter 
and Bull Dog respectively. The armament of the Presi- 
dent is given by Joseph Barron, Jr., her pilot and sail- 
ing master ; that of the other two sloops is known from 
the British return of ordnance etc. found on them when 
captured a few weeks later; and the gunboats were 



114 LIFE 0F COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 armed as in the previous Fall. The President was the 
flagship of the squadron during the whole of this year. 
The two gunboats were not placed in service as soon as 
the other vessels owing to lack of men to man them. 

The actual efficiency of this force was by no means 
in proportion to its indicated strength in vessels and 
guns. Partly on account of natural difficulties and 
partly from the necessity of getting on the lake as early 
as possible, the squadron was not only deficient in 
various kinds of equipment but was poorly manned as 
well as under manned. The sloops " had neither good 
officers or men, as there were none on the station."* 
But such as it was, the force was quite strong enough to 
hold the control of the lake. About April 25, which 
was probably just after leaving winter quarters, the 
President, Growler and Eagle were at Plattsburg. 
For the next four or five weeks the little squadron was 
kept busily employed in various ways until it was 
crippled by an accident to the President the last of 
May and the capture of the Growler and Eagle on 
June 3. " The sloop President, which was the flag, or 
my vessel ", the Commodore wrote, " having been run 
on shore and injured in her bottom, it became necessary 
that she should be hove out and repaired before she 
could go on service as she leaked very badly, and the 
two gunboats of ours being not yet prepared for service, 
it was my intention to continue in port until they should 
be, and also to put the President in order, the means 
of doing all which were very bad, together with our 
being without even tolerably good men. At this time 
the gunboats of the enemy were in the practice of com- 

* Macdonough to Captain Isaac Chauncey, March 10, 1815. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 115 

ing up to, and, I believe, over the line and annoying 1813 
whatever craft of ours might be in the vicinity of the 
line, to prevent which Lt. Smith was directed to pro- 
ceed to the lines." * 

The Navy Department has no report of the loss of 
the Growler and Eagle. The report which Sailing Mas- 
ter Loomis, commanding the Eagle, made to Macdon- 
ough is in the shape of a sea log, or journal, and covers 
the movements of the Eagle (and incidentally of the 
Growler) from 10 a.m. July 2 to 11 a.m. July 3, when 
she was captured. A nautical day, so to speak, is from 
meridian, or noon, of one day to meridian the next day, 
the time from meridian to midnight being designated 
in the usual way as p.m., and from midnight to merid- 
ian as a.m. Sailing Master Loomis, however, for some 
reason I do not understand, designates the time from 
meridian to midnight as a.m., and from midnight to 
meridian as p.m. I have adhered strictly to the original 
in the following copy of Loomis' report but have indi- 
cated within brackets the time which we are accustomed 
to designate as a.m. and p.m. 

A report having been received that the enemy's gun- 
boats had come out of the Richelieu River, Lieutenant 
Macdonough, on the morning of July 2, ordered the 
Growler and Eagle, which were lying in Plattsburg 
Bay, to proceed to the line and confine the British to 
their own waters. Accordingly the sloops got under 
way at 11 a.m. and stood down the lake with a light 
breeze from the south. Loomis' report tells the rest 
of the story. Under date of July 3 he writes : 

* Macdonough to Captain Isaac Chauncey, March 10, 1815. 



Il6 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 SAILING MASTER LOOMIS TO MACDONOUGH 

At 1 a.m. [1 p.m. July 2] Lieut. Smith made a signal to beat 
to quarters and clear away for action and load the guns with 
one round shot and a stand of grape. At 5 came to anchor 
at Champlain, one mile from the lines. At 6 received orders 
from Lieut. Smith to get under way and proceed up the lake 
to Point au Fcr, four miles distance, and return in the evening. 
At 7 hove to with the jib sheet to windward off Point au Fer. 
At 8 filled away and ran down the lake for the Growler. At 
half past we came up with the Growler at anchor and received 
orders from Lieut. Smith to come to anchor in a line astern 
of the Growler with springs on my cables. At this time it 
being very calm, it was with great difficulty that I was able 
to spring the vessel around so as to bring her broadside on the 
direction that we thought the enemy most likely to attack us. 

Lieut. Smith, on receiving information from his guard boat 
that the enemy was a bearing up the lake to attack us, gave 
orders for mc to beat to quarters and clear ship for action. Sent 
out my guard boat to learn the movements of the enemy. At 
1 p.m. [1 a.m. July 3] came on board twenty men accompanied 
by Ensign Dennison. At 2 Lieut. Smith came on board and 
gave orders for the Eagle to get under way and stand on and 
off as soon as there was a breeze, deeming it unsafe lying at 
anchor, for the land shades the water within 50 yards of the 
vessels so that the enemy could come in that distance of the 
vessels before discovered. At 3 light breezes from the south. 
The guard boat returned bringing information that the enemy 
had gone down the lake. 

At 5 Lieut. Smith gave orders for the Eagle to get under 
way and follow the Growler. At 6 p.m. [6 a.m.] hauled our 
wind one mile below Hospital Island.* The wind being light 
and finding a strong current setting to the north, Lt. Smith 
gave orders to work the vessel up to Champlain as fast as 
possible. At 15 minutes past six discovered four of the 
enemy's gunboats in chase of us. All hands lying on their 

* This would be six miles over the line and two and three-quarter miles from 
Isle aux Noix. — Author. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 117 

arms during the night and the ship cleared for action. At 1813 
half past six the enemy came within shot and gave us a gun 
which I returned and tacked ship and gave them a broadside, 
the ship channel being very narrow (about sixty rods wide) 
which obliged me to tack often, and continued giving them a 
broadside on wing tacks. 

At 7 p.m. [7 a.m.] received a shot from one of the enemy's 
gunboats which came through the larboard quarter and 
wounded the pilot severely, so that he was obliged to be 
carried below. The loss of the pilot placed me in a critical 
situation. Not a person on board that ever was in this part 
of the lake before. I was obliged to follow the motions of 
the Growler as much as possible. At half past seven dis- 
covered a detachment of regulars and militia coming down 
on each side of the shore. To speak within bounds, there 
could not be less than 250 on each shore, which began a very 
heavy fire which annoyed us very much. I then gave them 
a broadside on the shore which silenced the fire very much. 
I then tacked the gunboats.* At nine, finding my guns all 
disenabled but one owing to the britching parting and the 
ring bolts breaking [illegible] bulwarks, I hauled to the wind- 
ward for the purpose of repairing. At half past nine bore 
down and commenced the action again with a very hot fire 
upon the gunboats and shore. 

At 11 p.m. [11 a.m.] got everything ready for boarding the 
enemy. I received a twenty-four pound shot in my larboard 
quarter between wind and water and went thro' and knocked 
three planks off from the starboard side under water and she 
sunk to the bottom and the enemy took possession of her. 
The Growler keeping up a hot fire till fifteen minutes past 
eleven and her gaff being shot away she became unmanageable 
and her ammunition expended she was obliged to surrender 
to the enemy. 

The report made by Samuel Graves, the Eagle's 
pilot, states that three gunboats opened fire when 

* I do not know what this sentence means. Perhaps Loomis intended to 
write " attacked " instead of " tacked." — Author. 



Il8 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 813 within about half a mile of the Eagle, which was north 
of the Growler during the entire action; that the 
enemy's land force consisted of at least three hundred ; 
that during the action the Eagle's peak halyards were 
shot away and her mast severely wounded about eight- 
een feet from the deck ; that the shot which sunk the 
vessel entered the port side about four feet aft of the 
channels and passed out the starboard side about four 
inches above water while the Eagle was on the star- 
board tack, and as soon as she went about on the port 
tack she filled and went down in shallow water. Graves 
also says the American loss was one killed and seven 
wounded, which are practically the British figures (one 
killed and eight wounded) . The enemy reported three 
wounded on their side, but there certainly must have 
been a number killed considering the severity of the 
fire from the sloops. 

American accounts give the Growler and Eagle a 
total of 112 men, but the British official report of their 
capture gives them 50 men each. Among the prisoners 
were Lieutenant Sidney Smith *, Midshipmen Walter 
N. Monteath and Horace B. Sawyer, Sailing Master 
Jairus Loomis, Master's Mates John Trumbull and 
John Freeborn, Samuel Graves, pilot of the Eagle, and 
Abraham Walter, pilot of the Growler; also Captain 
Oliver Herrick and Ensign Washington Dennison, 
both of the militia regiment stationed at Champlain 

* Lieutenant Smith and two fellow prisoners (Major Christopher Van De 
Venter, Deputy Quartermaster General, U. S. Army, and Captain Isaac Roach Jr., 
23d U. S. Infantry) escaped from the improvised jail at Quebec the night of 
November 27, 1813, by cutting a carpet into strips which were knotted together 
into a rope by which they let themselves down from a garret window. Unfortu- 
nately they were recaptured not far from Quebec and taken back to their former 
quarters. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 119 

and recruited from Maine and New Hampshire. Some 1813 
of these prisoners were subsequently exchanged and 
returned to duty on Lake Champlain. 

The British had but three gunboats in action, not four 
as reported by Loomis. Each boat was armed with 
one 24-pounder and carried 60 men, all being under com- 
mand of Lieutenant Lowe. The shore detachments 
were commanded by Captain Gordon and Lieuten- 
ant Williams and consisted, according to the com- 
manding officer's report, of " the crews of two batteaux 
and row boats." A contemporary Canadian writer 
states that the total British force engaged in this affair 
did not exceed 108 men, and that some of the cap- 
tured guns were formerly part of the armament of the 
Alert (twenty 18-pounder carronades), taken by the 
U. S. frigate Essex August 13, 181 2.* The combined 
land and water attack was under the direction of Major 
George Taylor of the 100th (Prince Regent's) regi- 
ment. The Growler was taken to Isle aux Noix the 
same day and the Eagle the next day. Apart from his 
disregard of the wishes and advice of his superior, 
Lieutenant Smith showed poor judgment in proceeding 
so far down the river with the wind and current from 
the south and a narrow channel in which to work the 
sloops back to the lake. " I am decidedly of the 
opinion that the vessels would not have been lost had 
they not gone so far over the line into such narrow 
water, where the musketry of the enemy told from 
either shore. "f Lieutenant Smith's conduct was 

* Robert Christie's " Memoirs of the Administration of the Colonial Govern- 
ment of Lower Canada by Sir James Henry Craig and Sir George Prevost," Quebec, 
1818. 

t Macdonough to Captain Isaac Chauncey, March 10, 1815. 



120 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 afterwards made the subject of a court of inquiry, 
which found that the vessels were gallantly defended 
and not surrendered until further resistance was useless 
(see appendix, A). Major Taylor deserved credit for 
the prompt and efficient manner in which he took 
advantage of his adversary's predicament. 

The capture of the Growler and Eagle was a severe 
blow and gave the British the immediate control of the 
lake. Macdonough retired with the President and the 
two gunboats to Burlington, where a strong force of 
regulars and militia was soon after assembled. A bat- 
tery of two 1 2 -pounders and some heavy guns protected 
the shipping in the harbor. Toward the end of June 
he received the following order : 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MACDONOUGH 

Navy Department, June 17, 1813. 

Sir; I have received your letter of the 4th instant 
announcing the unfortunate disaster and loss of the two 
sloops under the command of Lieutenant Smith as it would 
appear by the imprudence of that officer, of which, however, 
you will inquire into and report to me the result. 

It now only remains to regain by every possible exertion 
the ascendency which we have lost, for which purpose you are 
authorized to purchase, arm and equip in an effective manner 
two of the best sloops or other vessels to be procured on the 
lake. I have written to Commodore Bainbridge, commandant 
of the navy yard at Charlestown, Mass., to send on to you 
20 iS-pounder carronades, if to be procured, and you are 
authorized to make such requisitions as the service may 
require either on John Bullus Esq., Navy Agent, New York, 
and if not to be had there, upon Mr. Binney, the N. Agent 
at Boston, to whom, when you write, you will quote this 
authority. 

You are to understand that tipon no account are you to 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 121 

suffer the enemy to gain the ascendency on Lake Champlain, 1813 
and as you have now unlimited authority to procure the 
necessary resources of men, materials and munitions for that 
purpose, I rely upon your efficient and prudent use of the 
authority vested in you. 

General Hampton, an officer of talent and energy, is 
appointed to the military command on Lake Champlain, 
with whom you will heartily co-operate in every measure 
calculated to promote the objects of the war. But you are 
to observe that the naval command is exclusively vested in 
you and for which you are held responsible. General Hamp- 
ton will afford ) T ou every assistance in the quartermaster's 
department with mechanics, laborers &c, and if you deem it 
necessary to construct 4 or 5 barges of 50 or 60 feet long to 
carry a 12 or 18-pounder carronade, you are at liberty to 

do so. 

I shall order a purser to your station immediately. 

I am very respectfully yours etc., 

W. Jones. 

This order was explicit and imperative. " Regain 
and retain control of the lake " was the pith of it. To 
do what was required and expected of him to meet the 
emergency called for a greater effort on Macdonough's 
part than had yet been put forth. Undismayed by 
the loss of practically two-thirds of his force he reso- 
lutely prepared to contest with the enemy his recently 
acquired superiority. Under the authority contained 
in the order of June 17 he purchased two sloops and 
fitted them out at Burlington. Captain Bainbridge 
being unable to furnish the 18-pounders from the 
Charlestown navy yard, John Bullus, navy agent at 
New York, was ordered to procure and forward either 
18-pounders or long light o/s and 12's, the Secretary 
of the Navy impressing upon him at the same time 
the importance of filling Macdonough's requisitions 



122 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 promptly, "as the critical state of things on Lake 
Champlain by the unfortunate loss of the Growler and 
Easjle renders great exertions necessary in order to 
regain command of that lake." Captain Evans, of 
the Brooklyn navy yard, was directed to send 100 
sailors to the lake, and a number of ship carpenters 
were hired at New York. It was so difficult to procure 
sailors that early in July Macdonough announced to 
General Hampton his intention of dismantling and 
laying up the two gunboats temporarily for lack of 
crews. 

Meanwhile the Growler and Eagle, now the Broke 
and Shannon, had been repaired at Isle aux Noix. 
Hitherto this point had been simply a military base, 
but it presently became a naval headquarters also. 
Having now a superior force, the enemy planned a 
descent upon some of the towns on the American side 
of the line. There being no seamen at Isle aux Noix, 
the Broke, Shannon and gunboats were manned by a 
force of officers and sailors brought from Quebec by 
Captain Thomas Everard of the English sloop Wasp. 

On July 29 about 1,000 men of the 13th and 100th 
regiments, under command of Lieutenant Colonel J. 
Murray, embarked on the Broke, Shannon, three gun- 
boats and about forty batteaux and proceeded toward 
the lake. On the afternoon of July 31 the troops 
landed at Plattsburg and destroyed considerable prop- 
erty, the hastily gathered handful of militia offering 
no resistance. After leaving Plattsburg the batteaux 
and gunboats visited several other points on the lake 
and then returned to Isle aux Xoix. 

On the morning of August 2 the Broke, Captain 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 23 

Everard, accompanied by the Shannon, Captain Daniel 1813 
Pring, and one gunboat, appeared off Burlington " to 
observe the state of the enemy's force there and to 
afford him an opportunity of deciding the naval supe- 
riority of the lake."* An eye-witness, in a letter pub- 
lished in the New York Spectator of August 25, 18 13, 
thus describes and comments upon what followed. 

" At half past two o'clock p.m. the two sloops and 
row galley, taking advantage of a light westerly breeze, 
came in towards the southerly part of this village with 
intention, no doubt, of destroying three public store 
houses erected upon the wharf and which he probably 
supposed were beyond the reach of a shot from our 
battery and naval force, which were anchored under 
the battery, consisting of only one sloop equipped and 
two others then in the hands of the carpenters, one of 
which had not her mast in and that of the other but 
just erected; both were unoftlcered, had but few men 
and guns on board and were placed there for defense 
only; two small gunboats each carrying one field 
twelve, and two or three scows. The enemy came 
within one and a half miles of the shore and commenced 
a cannonading which was returned by the vessels and 
battery and continued about twenty minutes, when 
the enemy, having received some well directed shots 
from the navy, hauled off, bearing southwardly. 

' Soon after our vessels got under way in tow with 
boats and stood off from shore about two miles and 
fired one gun, as was understood, for the enemy to 
come to action without exposing our vessels in the 
broad lake in their unfinished state or to fall in with 

* Captain Everard to Sir George Prevost, August 3, 181 3. 



124 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 the enemy after a reinforcement should have joined 
him, it being well understood that a reinforcement lay 
concealed behind the islands or points of land a short 
distance out. Immediately after the gun from our 
vessels the enemy fired three signal guns. After our 
vessels had continued off about two hours, it being 
dark and no vessels in sight, they returned to their 
anchorage. The next morning the enemy's vessels 
were seen on the opposite side of the lake standing to 
the northward with one small sloop and two or three 
ferry boats which they had captured but which can be 
of little service to them. 

" It is here considered by all men of judgment that 
the inhabitants on the borders of this lake are indebted 
to the judgment and prudence of the Commodore for 
their present safety, for had he imprudently pursued 
the enemy into the broad lake in the unfinished and 
unprepared state of our vessels at that time, we should 
most undoubtedly have lost our little navy and the 
enemy would have had the entire command of this 
lake for this season, if not longer ; whereas, by the highly 
commendable conduct of the Commodore on that occa- 
sion our naval force is preserved and will, in a few days, 
resume the command of the lake and drive the enemy 
from its waters." 

With reference to the condition of the American 
force at this time, a letter from Burlington dated 
August 5, 1 8 13, and published in the Albany (N. Y.) 
Register, describes it as being " in no state of prepara- 
tion and no officers but a captain." Macdonough him- 
self writes that he was then " preparing " another 
force, thus plainly intimating that his vessels were in 
no shape for offensive sendee. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 25 

No damage was done at Burlington by either side in 1813 
this affair. It is said that during the bombardment a 
ball entered the house where Macdonough was living 
and struck a dressing table at which he was shaving. 
I am rather inclined to doubt the truth of this story 
simply on the ground that if there were anything like a 
bombardment going on he would probably have been 
attending to more important matters than shaving 
himself. The enemy proceeded about ten miles south 
of Burlington the same day, captured and destroyed 
four small sailing vessels and returned to Canada 
August 3. 

Mr. William James, the well known British naval 
historian, affects surprise that Macdonough, with his 
" very superior naval force ", did not accept Captain 
Everard's challenge. What the " very superior naval 
force " was we have already seen. Captain Everard's 
two sloops and one gunboat, on the other hand, were 
fully armed and equipped and splendidly manned by 
the crew and officers of the sloop Wasp. Casting 
about for a reason for Macdonough's " forbearance ' 
which would better suit his readers and himself, James 
finds one " consisting of three words only, copied into 
all the American histories of the late war that have 
passed through our hands. These three magical words 
are ' sloops of war ', by which we are to understand that 
the two late American sloops, or cutters, Eagle and 
Growler, did, in a few days after they got into our pos- 
session, become metamorphosed into the size, force 
and appearance of ' two large sloops of war.' " * The 
American writers who termed the Growler and Eagle 

* James' " Military Occurrences ", I, 247. 



126 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 " sloops of war" might have retorted that they fol- 
lowed the example of James' countryman Lieutenant 
Colonel Murray, who spoke of them officially as " sloops 
of war " very soon after their capture.* 

By great exertions Macdonough got his vessels ready 
for sea by August 20, but he was then without crews to 
man them. He was in the same predicament in this 
respect as Perry, who, the month before, had been 
imploring Chauncey to send him men enough to man 
his waiting squadron on Lake Erie. A draft of 50 
men reached Burlington August 19 and about 200 
more, with some officers, arrived early in September. 
By borrowing men from General Hampton he was able 
to re-enter the lake on September 6 with the following 
force : 

. . . (6 iS-pd columbiads 

Sloop President (flagship) 10 guns -j , 

Sloop Preble 

Sloop Montgomery 

Sloop Frances 

Sloop Wasp 
4 gunboats 

40 

The armaments of these vessels are as given by 
Macdonough. Although included in the above table, 
two of the gunboats, built at Plattsburg, were not 
launched until October 9. They were built owing to 
the difficulty in navigating the north end of the lake 

* Lieutenant Colonel J. Murray to Major General Sir R. H. Sheaffe, August 
3. 1S13. 



9 


guns 


\l 


12's 

18-pd 


columbiads 


9 


guns 


j 7 


9 's 

iS-pd columbiads 


5 


guns 


[4 
li 


12's 
iS 




3 


guns 




ia's 




4 


guns 


1 


long 


1 8 each 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 127 

with sailing vessels, the water being three feet lower 1813 
than it was ever known to be before. The masts were 
taken out of the two old gunboats, their 12-pounders 
were replaced by long 18's, and each Was given thirty- 
oars. The Frances and Wasp were hired vessels and 
were used as armed tenders. They were small and 
sailed badly. 

Early on the morning of September 6 Macdonough 
sailed from Burlington with his newly prepared force 
and stood toward the north, hoping to fall in with two 
sloops and three gunboats of the enemy which had 
come up as far as Gravelly Point, just north of Platts- 
burg. This was the American squadron's first appear- 
ance on the lake since the loss of the Growler and Eagle. 
Information being received at Plattsburg that the 
British had turned down the lake, Macdonough pro- 
ceeded in the same direction and found them anchored 
near the line. On the approach of the American squad- 
ron the enemy got under way and stood down the 
Richelieu River, " thus, if not acknowledging our 
ascendency on the lake, evincing an unwillingness 
(although they had the advantage of situation owing 
to the narrowness of the channel in which their galleys 
could work when we should want room) to determine 
it."* The British were not strong enough to risk an 
engagement with any hope of success, and Macdonough 
was too wary to allow himself to be drawn into the 
river in chase of the retreating foe. That imprudence 
had cost him two vessels already. The squadron 
returned to Plattsburg the same day. 

Meanwhile the army was planning to invade Canada 

* Macdonough to Secretary of the Navy, September 9, 181 3. 



128 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 with Montreal as the objective point. On August 30 
General Wilkinson wrote from Sackett's Harbor to the 
Secretary of War suggesting that General Hampton, 
who was in camp at Burlington, should, without de- 
lay, ' cross the Champlain and commence his move- 
ment toward St. Johns, taking the Isle aux Noix in his 
route, or not, as circumstances might justify." The 
Secretary replied on September 6 that Hampton would 
be ready to move by September 20 and that he had 
ordered him to proceed directly against Isle aux Noix. 
On September 7 Hampton consulted with Macdonough 
as to the practicability of carrying out the Secretary's 
plan of a joint descent upon that point by water. Mac- 
donough pointed out that such an attack upon so 
strongly fortified a position could be made successfully 
only by a decidedly superior naval force and disclaimed 
any such superiority for his squadron in the narrow 
waters of the river. The alternative plan of a land 
attack was then adopted by the War Department and 
the naval commander promised to keep the enemy's 
vessels north of the Canada line while General Hamp- 
ton assembled his force at Cumberland Head. 

" It is much to be regretted", wrote the Secretary of 
War to General Hampton a few days later, ' ' that our 
naval means on Lake Champlain should have fallen so 
far short of their object. To our operations an ascend- 
ency in the narrow parts of the lake is of infinite mo- 
ment." This rather caustic criticism was only partially 
justified. Before the capture of the Growler and Eagle 
the naval force on Lake Champlain did all that was 
expected of it in the way of keeping the enemy within 
his own waters and convoying the troops. It is true 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 29 

that the unfortunate loss of the two sloops gave the 1813 
British temporary control of the lake and an oppor- 
tunity for the descent on Plattsburg. Although not 
as strong, relatively, as before, the present force was 
powerful enough to accomplish its primary object 
(which was to maintain the naval ascendency on the 
lake) and also to co-operate with the army. Any 
undertaking which was likely to result in the loss of 
this superiority by the capture or destruction of a part 
or the whole of the force was to be avoided. It was 
Macdonough's opinion, based on his knowledge of ex- 
isting conditions, that if he entered the narrow channel 
of the Richelieu River to attack Isle aux Noix by water, 
almost certain disaster and the consequent loss of the 
naval supremacy on the lake awaited him, and that, 
therefore, such an attack ought not to be made. The 
Secretary's criticism was partly due, possibly, to a 
feeling of pique because his proposal was not favorably 
entertained. He was "always impatient ", wrote Loss- 
ing, " when his opinions were disputed." 

On September 19 General Hampton moved north 
from Cumberland Head with about 4,000 infantry, 
cavalry and artillery. ' Orders were issued for the 
whole army, except a squadron of horse and the artil- 
lery, to embark in batteaux. The army got under 
way, preceded by the light corps and flanked on the 
right by the navy, and arrived at Chazy at 12 o'clock 
at night, lay on their arms, embarked again soon after 
sunrise the next morning, proceeded down the lake as 
far as Champlain and up Champlain River* the dis- 
tance of four miles, where we landed and immediately 

* Now Big Chazy River. — Author. 



i;,0 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 marched to Odletown." * Hampton turned hack he- 
fore reaching Isle aux Noix and the " invasion " proved 
a dismal failure. 

During the rest of the season we remained in quiet 
possession of the lake. The only incursion made by 
the enemy was on December 4, when about 400 men in 
six large galleys, under command of Captain Pring, 
landed at Cumberland Head and burned an empty 
store house, " the smoke of which gave the first inti- 
mation of his approach. It being calm we instantly 
weighed and swept in pursuit of him. Our galleys, 
four in number, under Lieut. Cassin. were directed to 
bring him. if possible, to action and thereby enable the 
sloops to get up. The chase continued three hours. 
I was much surprised to see him refuse battle. His 
superior number of sweeps prevented it. It is pre- 
sumed the enemy expected we had gone into winter 
quarters and that Plattsburg was the object of his 
visit. "f Soon after this, on December 21, the Ameri- 
can squadron went into winter quarters at Yergennes. 
Yt.. about seven miles up Otter Creek. 

The President's recem message 10 Congress had con- 
tained a reference to the naval operations on some of 
the other lakes but did not mention Lake Champlain. 
In writing to the Secretary of the Navy in the latter 
part oi December Macdonough remarked that he had 
noticed this omission and added: " 1 hope. sir. it will 
be considered that 1 have fulfilled the duties required 
me on this lake and that I have merited the trust 
and confidence reposed in me by my government. 

* R. Colonel Robert Purdy to (general Wilkin 

t Macdonough to S V D >. 181J. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 131 

Since the completion of a force adequate to the meeting 1813 
of our enemy he has never appeared except in predatory 
excursions at the most favorable times for him. I can 
assure you, sir, that we have always been prepared to 
repel or defeat him. We have frequently sought him 
and he has as frequently avoided us. * * * The flo- 
tilla under my command has, I am very conscious, al- 
ways manifested a perfect willingness to see the enemy 
on fair terms. * * * Should you deem this letter 
improper, I beg you will consider it as emanating from 
feelings not at ease because it may be considered that I 
have not done that which it was in my power to do." 

The Secretary replied that there was no reason for 
his uneasiness of mind — "the President entertains 
the highest confidence in your capacity, zeal and patri- 
otism, and is perfectly satisfied with your services " — 
and that there was no intention of slighting him by 
mentioning more important operations elsewhere. 

On July 24 of this year (181 3) Lieutenant Mac- 
donough was promoted to the rank of master com- 
mandant. From the nature of his command he was 
now very generally given the title of commodore, an 
unusual honor for so young a man. His duties were 
far from simple and called for the exercise of all his 
tact and talents. He was not only personally respon- 
sible for the maintenance of our naval supremacy on 
the lake but he was also expected to co-operate with 
the army, to prevent intelligence and succor from 
reaching the enemy, and to assist in suppressing smug- 
gling. Since assuming command on the lake he had 
gained, to a remarkable degree, not only the good will 
but also the respect and confidence of the inhabitants 



132 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1813 of the surrounding towns and villages. His energy, 
judgment and ability were recognized by those who 
looked to him for the protection of their lives and 
property and they were by no means backward in 
expressing their appreciation of his qualities as a man 
and an officer. 

There was at that time, and there may be now, an 
organization known as ' ' The United States Military 
Philosophical Society ' ' whose membership list con- 
tained the names of many men well known in the army 
and navy and in civil life. A meeting of the Society 
was held in Washington Hall, New York city, Novem- 
ber 1, 1 813, at which were present Colonel Jonathan 
Williams, president; Major General De Witt Clinton, 
mayor of New York; Brigadier General Jacob Morton, 
New York Artillery; Colonel Libbeus Loomis, New 
York Artillery; Colonel Peter Curtenius, New York 
Artillery; Lieutenant Colonel J. R. Fen wick, U. S. 
Army; Captain Samuel Evans, U. S. Navy; John Bul- 
lus, U. S. navy agent; Colonel Charles Clinton; Cap- 
tain John Hall, U. S. marine corps; Major Lloyd Beale, 
U. S. Army; Robert Fulton; Major W. Popham; Lewis 
Simond ; and Major Anthony Bleeker, New York Artil- 
lery. Before adjourning the Society elected a number 
of new members, among whom were Captain Charles 
Morris; Masters Commandant James Biddle, Thomas 
Macdonough, Lewis Warrington, Joseph Bainbridge 
and Johnston Blakely; and Surgeon Shubrick, all of 
the U. S. Navy. 

While matters were beginning to shape themselves 
on Lake Champlain for the decisive contest of the com- 
ing year, several important events occurred elsewhere. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 133 

Early in the year the British blockaded Chesapeake 1813 
Bay; on January 17 the sloop of war Viper, Lieuten- 
ant John D. Henley, was captured by the British frigate 
Narcissus, Captain Lumly; on February 24 the Ameri- 
can ship Hornet, Master Commandant James Lawrence, 
took the brig Peacock, Captain William Peake; on 
June 1 the frigates United States, Captain Stephen 
Decatur, and Macedonian, Captain Jacob Jones, with 
the sloop of war Wasp, Master Commandant James 
Biddle, were chased into New London, where the two 
frigates were blockaded until the close of the war; on 
the same day the frigate Chesapeake, Captain Lawrence, 
struck to the British frigate Shannon, Captain Broke; 
on August 14 the United States brig Argus, Master 
Commandant William H. Allen, was captured by the 
brig Pelican, Captain Maples; on September 5 the 
American brig Enterprise, Lieutenant William Burrows, 
took the brig Boxer, Captain Bly the ; and on September 
10 the United States squadron on Lake Erie, under 
Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry, captured 
the entire British squadron under Captain Barclay. 
There had been several encounters but no decisive 
action between the squadrons on Lake Ontario under 
Captain Isaac Chauncey and Captain Yeo. 

It will be remembered that while considerable mate- 
rial had been collected for building the six 74-gun ships 
authorized by Congress February 25, 1799, no vessels 
of that class had ever been laid down. On January 2 
of the present year an act was passed authorizing the 
construction of four 74-gun and six 44-gun ships, and 
on March 3 several smaller vessels were provided for. 



CHAPTER IX 
1814 

Vergermes as a naval base — British lay down a brig at Isle aux Noix — 
Battery at Rouse's Point contemplated — Reports concerning increase in enemy's 
naval strength — The Saratoga launched at Vergennes — Apprehended appear- 
ance of British on the lake — Vermont militia called out — Battery erected at 
mouth of Otter Creek — Enemy enter the lake — Attack on Otter Creek battery 
repulsed — The American force — Difficulty in fitting it out and manning it — 
Good wishes from Perry and Hull — Our squadron enters the lake — British build 
a ship and we build a brig — Enemy blockaded in Richelieu River ■ — Exchange of 
courtesies between Macdonough and Captain Fisher, R. N. — Mr. Dulles describes 
his visit to the Saratoga as the Commodore's guest. 

1814 Naval and military activity in the lake region had 
been principally confined so far to the great lakes. 
Lake Champlain was now to become the scene of im- 
portant operations and the theatre of one of the great- 
est events of the war. Macdonough had gone into 
winter quarters at Vergennes. He had chosen that 
place after careful and deliberate consideration as being 
best adapted to his plans. He foresaw the probability 
of having to build additions to his force before again 
entering the lake and determined to prepare for the 
approaching campaign at a point which not only offered 
facilities for building and fitting out but was also in- 
accessible to the enemy. Vergennes filled both these 
conditions. 

It was situated at the head of navigation on Otter 
Creek, seven miles from its mouth, with a road leading 
directly to Burlington, another to Boston, and one to 
the south. Among its industries were a blast furnace, 
an air furnace, eight forges, a rolling mill and a wire 

134 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 135 

factory, besides grist, saw and fulling mills. There 1814 
was timber in abundance for ship building, and free 
communication with the lake was provided by Otter 
Creek, which, while difficult to navigate because it was 
very crooked and quite narrow, varying in width from 
fourteen to twenty rods, was deep enough to accom- 
modate large vessels. Vergennes was protected by 
the troops at Burlington, twenty-one miles away, 
against a land attack from the north ; Dead Creek and 
its contiguous marshes opposed an effectual barrier on 
the west should the enemy attempt to land a force 
south of the mouth of Otter Creek ; and the narrowness 
and crookedness of the latter stream precluded the 
possibility of a successful attack by water. Thus fa- 
vorably situated, Macdonough could lay down and fit 
out his vessels with a reasonable certainty of not being 
molested. 

Under date of January 28 he was authorized to build 
about fifteen gunboats, or a ship, or a ship and three 
or four gunboats, as he thought best. " The object 
is to leave no doubt of your commanding the lake and 
the waters connected, and that in due time. You are 
therefore authorized to employ such means and work- 
men as shall render its accomplishment certain." 

As early as February 8 intelligence reached Vergennes 
that the enemy were building, at Isle aux Noix, a ves- 
sel to carry about 20 guns. " The British know ", 
wrote Peter Sailly, collector of customs at Plattsburg, 
to Macdonough February 12, " that they cannot con- 
ceal from us their exertions in building vessels in our 
vicinity. They may build, however, row galleys at 
Sorel, or even at a greater distance, and bring them to 



136 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 St. Johns in the Spring, there being but 12 miles land 
carriage and smooth road." Toward the end of the 
month the following instructions were forwarded from 
Washington : 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MACDONOUGH 

Navy Department, Feb. 22, 1814. 

Sir; Mr. Browne, ship builder, of New York, will have 
joined you some days since, from whom you will learn my 
anxious desire to complete the contemplated force on Lake 
Champlain. He engaged on the 14th instant to launch a 
ship of 24 guns on Lake Champlain in 60 days, and presuming 
that the alleged fact of the enemy having a ship of that class 
in great forwardness to be substantiated, I urged the propriety 
of building a ship without delay. 

Yesterday Lieutenant Cassin arrived here and informed me 
that the enemy is not building a ship but some large galleys. 
You will therefore consult with Mr. Browne and vary your 
plan to meet the force and preparations of the enemy with 
decisive effect and with such description of vessels as you may 
deem most efficient and whose construction will admit of the 
greatest despatch. 

Mr. Cassin says there is a new boat 120 feet long near Ver- 
gennes intended for a steamboat. If she will answer you are 
authorized to purchase her for the use of the navy. Can she 
not be armed with heavy guns under deck, the guns on either 
side to be opposite the space between the opposite ports, so 
that, as the vessel is probably narrow, the guns would not 
come in contact when roused in? 

Two long 18-pounders and four 42-pd carronades were 
landed from the John Adams. I have directed those, with their 
carriages and implements complete, to be sent to you without 
delay. 

I am respectfully, your obdt servt, 

W. Jones. 
Thomas Macdonough Esq., 

Commanding the U. S. Naval Force on Lake Champlain. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 137 

On March 4 Major General James Wilkinson, with 181 4 
Colonel Joseph G. Totten of the engineer corps, 
reconnoitred Rouse's Point. General Wilkinson sent 
Colonel Totten shortly after to examine the spot again 
with a view to establishing a post there, it being the 
latter's opinion that a heavy battery planted at that 
point would command the mouth of the river and pre- 
vent the enemy from coming out. Before anything 
was done in this direction Wilkinson, on March 30, 
made an unsuccessful attempt to capture Lacolle Mill, 
about five miles over the line, and then fell back on 
Chazy, Plattsburg and Burlington. 

The enemy were now making every effort to take the 
initiative on the lake. Owing to the unusually mild 
weather the Richelieu River and the lower end of the 
lake up to Wind Mill Point were free from ice by April 2 
and there was every indication that within a few days 
the entire lake would be open. Several of their vessels 
came out on April 2 and anchored off Rouse's Point, 
where, as Wilkinson wrote to Macdonough from Cham- 
plain April 5, " the want of cannon has prevented and 
still prevents my erecting batteries." The reports con- 
cerning the additions to the enemy's force were con- 
tradictory. " What has been its increase this Spring 
I know not ", replied Peter Sailly on April 6 to an 
inquiry from Macdonough, " except the ship, which I 
understand will be soon ready to display the British 
colors on this lake." The next day he wrote: " Capt. 
Thurber left my office this moment. He assures that 
there are no new British row galleys afloat and that two 
new ones only are building. Therefore the present 
force of the British is the same as last Fall, although it 



I38 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 will be soon increased by their brig and afterward by 
their 2 galleys." 

On April 1 1 Wilkinson wrote from Plattsburg to Mac- 
donough: " I left Champlain the 9th inst. at which 
time from the concurrent reports of my secret agents 
the enemy's brig and other vessels were manned and 
equipped for service and a large number of batteaux 
had been collected at St. Johns and the Isle aux Noix." 
On the 1 8th Brigadier General Alexander Macomb 
wrote to Macdonough from Plattsburg: " I this moment 

have received intelligence from Capt. , who 

is employed to give information of the movements of the 
enemy. He has received information from an un- 
doubted source that the new brig is not yet launched, 
that she is tarred and painted white, that the rigging 
is thrown over the caps, and will not enter the water 
until the 24th of the month; that only two row galleys 
are building and that their keels are laid and some ribs 
in, but not at all planked; that the sloop Mars mounts 
6 six pounders and she is the only addition (ready) to 
the old establishment." 

Meanwhile work had been going on briskly at Ver- 
gennes. Two new gunboats had been quickly put into 
the water, and on April 11 the 26-gun ship Saratoga 
was launched. Mr. Browne, the ship builder, had guar- 
anteed to launch a ship of 24 guns in sixty days. He 
did even better. On March 2 the Saratoga's timbers 
were standing in the forest; on the 7th her keel was 
laid; and on the nth of April she took the water — 
forty days from the living tree to the man-of-war. 

On April 5 Wilkinson had sent word to Macdonough 
from Champlain that the enemy's squadron would be 




Macdonough IX [814 

(From a miniature painted in that year) 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 139 

ready to sail in a few days and suggested the possibility 1814 
of their landing 1,000 or 1,500 men for the purpose of 
destroying his vessels. Peter Sailly also wrote him 
from Plattsburg on the 6th: "We are apprehensive 
that they will pay us a visit in a few days and send us 
some of their heavy balls unless they go first to the 
mouth of Otter Creek and block you in. They may 
take every sloop and other suitable boats on this lake, 
load them with stones and sink them at the proper 
place up the river and keep you where you are. 
Whether the two points of land at or near the mouth of 
that river can be fortified by strong batteries and keep 
them off, you best know. I think the whole of the mer- 
cantile shipping and transports ought to be kept to- 
gether at some protected place until you can contest 
the mastery of this lake. No batteries have been 
erected nor can now at Rouse's Point nor nowhere to 
impede the sailing of our enemy's floating force." 

The activity of the British and their appearance off 
Rouse's Point led General Wilkinson to believe that 
there was imminent danger not only of an attack by 
water on Plattsburg and Burlington but also of a de- 
scent upon our naval force at Vergennes, and on April 9 
he directed General Macomb, at Burlington, to request 
Governor Chittenden to call out the Vermont militia 
to protect the shipping on Otter Creek and strengthen 
Macomb's force. The governor at once ordered out 
the Franklin, Chittenden and Addison county men and 
sent 500 of them to Burlington and 1,000 to Vergennes. 
Wilkinson wrote Macdonough again from Plattsburg 
April 1 1 that he hoped the enemy would confine them- 
selves to " aquatic " operations only. " In such case 



140 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 you have nothing to apprehend, I presume, but his 
seizing on the shallops of the lake, loading them with 
stones and sinking them at the mouth of the creek to 
retard your movement. Permit me to suggest two pre- 
cautions to prevent such a design. Seize and secure 
all the vessels along our shores, and plant a heavy bat- 
tery at the mouth of the creek. I rejoice to hear of 
Governor Chittenden's promptitude in turning out his 
yeomanry to your assistance, and Brigadier General 
Macomb will co-operate with you in every practicable 
mode. If things will permit my absence I will run up 
in my gig and see you and return the same evening. I 
have a body of men at Chazy and am equipping a 
battery of flying artillery to wait on the enemy's ves- 
sels whenever the roads may permit." 

On receipt of Wilkinson's note of April 5 Macdonough 
had made what preparations he could to protect his 
force in case of an attack. He landed some of his guns, 
erected batteries to cover his vessels and arranged for 
the shores of Otter Creek to be lined with musketry on 
short notice. Between April 16 and 20 Governor 
Chittenden and General Wilkinson were at Vergennes 
consulting with Macdonough as to the best measures 
to be taken for the protection of our naval force. It 
was thought that the enemy would probably try to 
keep our vessels in the creek by extending their line 
across its entrance or by obstructing it, and it was 
agreed to erect a battery at its mouth to provide against 
each contingency. Macdonough was to furnish the 
guns and Wilkinson directed Macomb to send on from 
Plattsburg an officer of the engineer corps to superin- 
tend the erection of the battery and 500 men to relieve 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 141 

the Vermont militia. On the 20th Wilkinson and Mac- 1814 
donough went to the mouth of the creek and selected a 
site for the battery (which was subsequently called 
Fort Cassin), and on the 22nd Governor Chittenden 
directed that the militia be discharged (except Captain 
William C. Munson's company of Pan ton) on the ar- 
rival of the troops from Plattsburg (who came about 
four days later) with the understanding that they were 
to hold themselves in readiness to turn out immediately 
on hearing the alarm signal — three heavy guns fired 
in rapid succession. 

Apropos to the departure of the militia, Macdon- 
ough's office in Vergennes was directly over the guard 
room, and one day a musket was carelessly discharged 
in the latter, the ball passing through the ceiling and 
close to where Macdonough was sitting in the upper 
room. Turning to one of his officers he said with a 
smile, " I seem to be in more danger from the militia 
than from the enemy." 

By May 9 the British flotilla was ready to assume the 
offensive. On that date Captain Daniel Pring ascended 
the Richelieu in the new 16-gun brig Linnet accom- 
panied by five sloops and thirteen galleys and the next 
day came to anchor under Providence Island, where 
he remained until the evening of the nth. On the 
morning of the 12th he appeared off Burlington, the 
next afternoon he passed Essex, and at daybreak of 
the 14th was off the mouth of Otter Creek. Major 
General George Izard, at Plattsburg, had notified Gen- 
eral Macomb, at Burlington, on the 10th, of the ap- 
proach of the enemy and had directed him to send 
word at once to Vergennes, which Macomb did at 10 



142 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 p.m. the same day. A detachment of 50 light artillery- 
men under command of Captain Thornton was hur- 
ried from Burlington by wagon to man the battery at 
the mouth of Otter Creek which consisted of seven 12- 
pounders on ship carriages. Lieutenant Cassin was 
ordered to support Captain Thornton with a body of 
sailors, and the infantry were advantageously posted 
to oppose the enemy should a landing be attempted. 
Captain Pring began his attack at daybreak on the 14th 
with the result communicated in the following report: 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

Vergennes, 14th May, 1814. 

Sir; I have the honor to inform you that an engagement 
between our battery at the mouth of Otter Creek and eight of 
the enemy's galleys with a bomb vessel has just terminated 
by the retreat of the enemy, who, it is supposed, came with 
an intention of blockading us. 

The battery, commanded by Capt. Thornton of the artillery, 
who was gallantly assisted by Lt. Cassin of the navy, received 
but little injury although a number of shells were thrown and 
many shot lodged in the parapet. 

Colo. Davis was advantageously posted to receive the 
enemy in the event of his landing, which we had reason to 
expect, as his new brig with several other galleys and four 
sloops were within 2^ miles of the point on which the battery 
stands during the action which lasted one hour and a half, 
when they all stood off and were seen passing Burlington for 
the northward. Every exertion was made to get the vessels 
down to the mouth of the creek, which, however, we could 
not effect until the enemy had withdrawn. Our whole force is 
now at the creek's mouth with the exception of the schooner, 
and she will be down also in four or five days. . . . 

I have the honor to be very respectfully your obt svt 

T. MACDONOUGH. 

Hoxble W. Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 143 

SAME TO SAME 1814 

Vergennes, May 18, 1814. 
Sir; . . . I omitted stating in my letter of the 14th that 
the enemy had two fine row boats shot adrift from their 
galleys in the action with the battery, which, in their precipi- 
tate retreat, were left and picked up by us. I have since 
learned that in other parts of the lake they are much cut up 
by the militia. Two of their galleys in passing up a small 
river on the New York side had nearly all their men killed 
and wounded. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully your obt servt 

T. Macdonough. 
Honble W. Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 

The only damage we suffered in this affair was the 
dismounting of one gun, by which two men were slightly 
injured. " After this repulse the galleys entered the 
Bouquet River and ascended that stream for the pur- 
pose of seizing some government flour which had been 
deposited in the grist mill at the Falls. On their return 
the boats were fired into by a company of militia who 
had hastily collected on the south bank of the river 
near its mouth. This fire killed or wounded nearly 
all the men in the rear galley. The boat afterwards 
drifted into the lake and was towed off by small boats 
sent to its assistance." * The galleys then rejoined the 
other vessels and on the 16th Captain Pring returned 
to Isle aux Noix. 

Within the next few days the American squadron 
was assembled at the mouth of Otter Creek. It con- 
sisted of the 26-gun ship Saratoga, the 16-gun schooner 
Ticonderoga, the io-gun sloop President, the 9-gun 

* Palmer's " History of Lake Champlain." 



144 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1814 sloop Preble, the 6-gun sloop Montgomery, and six 
gunboats of 2 guns each. The Saratoga, as we have 
seen, was launched April 1 1 . The Ticonderoga was the 
vessel referred to in the Secretary of the Navy's letter 
of February 22 as having' been intended for a steam- 
boat. Before her engine and machinery were installed 
Macdonough bought her, made some necessary altera- 
tions, gave her a schooner rig, and launched her on 
May 12. Governor Tompkins, of Xew York, urged 
the Navy Department to equip this boat as a steam 
vessel of war, but his ideas were not considered prac- 
ticable. The sloops were in service the previous year. 
The Ticonderoga's armament consisted of the guns of 
the Frances and "Wasp and the four old gunboats, and 
some spare guns. The disarmed sloops, which were dull, 
miserable sailers, were returned to their owners. The 
four disarmed gunboats were either put in commission 
later or were replaced by new ones, as there were ten 
vessels of this class in the action of September 11. 
Each of the six new gunboats was 75 feet long and 15 
feet wide, was armed with one long 24 and one 18-pound 
columbiad, and carried forty oars when fully manned. 
There had been aggravating delays in the arrival of 
articles necessary to fit the vessels out. When the 
Saratoga was launched neither her guns, anchors, 
cables nor rigging had been received. The roads were 
so bad that the heavy loading of transport wagons was 
impossible. It took eighty teams to carry one con- 
signment of naval stores from Troy to Yergennes and 
then three large cables were left behind. A large quan- 
tity of shot was brought from Boston and one thousand 
j;:: -pound balls were cast at Vergennes. By the first 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 145 

week in May, however, most of the necessary equip- 1814 
ment had arrived. But it was easier to fit out the 
squadron than to man it. Supplies could be had by 
waiting long enough, but it seemed almost impossible 
to secure enough seamen. Although recruiting 
offices were opened in New York and Boston and 
every other available source drawn upon, on May 5 the 
squadron was still considerably short of an effective 
working complement. " The powerful inducement of a 
large bounty offered in the army; the encouragement 
and high wages given by private armed vessels; the 
enhanced price of clothing, which, in the naval service, 
is charged to the seamen ; and the hopeless prospect of 
prize money owing to the general destruction of cap- 
tured property, combined to produce a state of things 
extremely inauspicious to the recruiting service."* 
These remarks applied, of course, to recruiting gener- 
ally and with no particular reference to either lake or 
ocean service, but the conditions here referred to added 
to those already mentioned were making it extremely 
difficult to ship men for service on the lakes. 

Under instructions from the Navy Department Mac- 
donough applied on May 5 to Major General Izard, at 
Plattsburg, for 250 men to help man his vessels. Gen- 
eral Izard was as anxious for the squadron to come to 
his assistance as Macdonough was to get into the lake, 
so after some delay and being assured by Macdonough 
that he could not > move without the men, Izard in- 
structed General Macomb, at Burlington, to furnish 
them. Macomb had already lent the squadron several 

* Secretary of the Navy to the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee 
of the House of Representatives, February 8, 1815. 



146 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 hundred soldiers. On April 18 he wrote from Platts- 
burg to the naval commander: " I have ordered 400 
men to march from this to Vergennes. They are Ver- 
monters and probably are acquainted with the lake. 
If not, they can be taught." 

Among the young officers ordered to Lake Champlain 
at this time was Midshipman Frank Ellery, who pre- 
sented a note to Macdonough from Captain O. H. Perry. 
" I beg leave to introduce him to your notice ", Perry 
wrote, " and ask for him your countenance as long as 
you find him deserving. Permit me to offer you my 
sincere wishes for your success in the ensuing campaign 
which, I am convinced, will be equal to your own and 
country's most sanguine expectation provided you 
have a fair opportunity." Another officer ordered to 
the lake was Lieutenant Drewry, who presented a 
letter from Captain Hull. ' I suppose by this time 
you are on the lookout for a fight ", said Hull. ' I 
hope, my friend, you have good men and a plenty of 
them. If so and you fall in with John Bull I am con- 
fident he will come off second best. * * * Let me hear 
from you as often as you have leisure to write. I feel 
an interest in your situation and not less so for your 
health and honor. Make my best wishes to Mrs. Mac- 
donough and believe me truly your friend, Isaac Hull." 
Good men and a plenty of them ! The very day the 
letter was received Macdonough was asking General 
Izard to lend him 250 soldiers to get his vessels out of 
port. 

On May 26 the Saratoga, Ticonderoga, Preble and 
six gunboats sailed out of Otter Creek, followed some 
time after by the President, Montgomery, and four 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 147 

more gunboats. Three days later the squadron came 1814 
to anchor off Plattsburg, from where Macdonough 
made the following report : 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

U. S. Ship Saratoga at anchor off 

Plattsburg, May 29, 1814. 

Sir; I have the honor to inform you that I arrived off 
here to-day, and having been informed that the enemy had 
retired to the Isle aux Noix, the squadron was brought to an 
anchor. There is now a free communication between all parts 
of this lake and at present there are no doubts of this communi- 
cation being interrupted by the enemy. 

I find the Saratoga a fine ship. She sails and works well. 
She is a ship between the Pike and the Madison on Lake Onta- 
rio. The schooner is also a fine vessel and bears her metal full 
as well as was expected. The galleys are also remarkably 
fine vessels. I have not yet my complement of men, but as 
fast as they come on I shall relieve the soldiers whom I have 
on board by them. I have made it known to Maj. Gen. Izard 
that the squadron is ready for service. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully your ob. servant 

T. Macdonough. 
Hon. Willm Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 

The next few days were occupied in convoying the 
transports engaged in removing the troops and stores 
from Burlington to Plattsburg, where General Izard 
was assembling his forces and preparing to take a posi- 
tion near the Canada line. On June 1 1 Macdonough 
reported to Washington that the British had laid at Isle 
aux Noix the keel of a ship to at least equal the Saratoga 
and were bringing galleys from Quebec, and he recom- 
mended the building of a vessel of the brig or schooner 



14S LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 class if it should be decided to increase his present 
force.* He reported the enemy to be lying under the 
protection of the guns of Isle aux Noix and announced 
his intention of proceeding in that direction. ' If I 
can without very imprudently exposing my vessels ", 
he added, " I shall endeavor to bring him to action." 
On June 1 2 the squadron convoyed as far as Chazy the 
boats containing the camp equipage of Brigadier Gen- 
eral Smith's command and then went on down the lake 
in search of the British. A few days later Macdonough 
wrote to General Izard as follows: 

MACDONOUGH TO MAJOR GENERAL IZARD 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, 
Point au Fer, 17th June, 1814. 

5 ir; I have ascertained the position of the enemy's 
squadron to be so strong owing to the narrow water in which 
they are moored, and the shoalness of the water making it 
very hazardous for me to approach them with the ship unless 
under the most favorable circumstances, that I have, with the 
opinion of my officers and pilots, nearly come to a conclusion 
to go no further down. I would gain nothing but lose a great 
deal. 

The enemy are close under Ash Island on which is a battery, 
and one brig, four sloops, nine galleys, and a large scow on 
which 'tis said are some heavy guns, are moored across the 
channel, so that I should be obliged to approach against their 
whole line with my vessels in a line ahead, or one vessel after 
another, and thus be exposed to their raking fire besides the 
strong probability of getting the ship aground. In addition 
to their force mentioned above, three galleys have been 
brought up to Isle aux Noix from Quebec and eight more are 
on their way, probably by this time near the island. This will 

♦The construction of an iS-gun brig was authorized July 5 by the Secretary 
of the Navy, who lamented the fact that he could " see no end to this war of broad 
axes." 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 149 

give them twenty-one galleys besides a brig said to be in con- 1814 
siderable forwardness at Isle aux Noix. They are repairing 
an old brig at the same place which will be ready in a short 
time, as a number of carpenters, sailors &c. have recently 
come to the island. 

This will be so large a force as to leave the ascendency 
unquestionable, particularly in these waters, and as the Sec- 
retary of the Navy will no doubt order an increase of our force 
as soon as possible, will it not be advisable to have some guns 
on Cumberland Head or some other point for me to retire to 
in case I should be compelled to retire from so superior a force 
until the augmentation of our force shall be completed. I 
offer this from a conviction that the enemy will compel me to 
meet him under circumstances favorable to himself — that 
he will risk nothing, but will meet me with such a force as will 
insure him success. 'Tis better to save a force by retiring 
from a superior foe than to lose it even by hard fighting. 

We lay in sight of each other. He knows his situation and 
my present superior strength. So we are, with this difference, 
however, that he has every nerve on the stretch in preparing 
his additional force. Point au Roche would probably be an 
eligible position for guns and they might be there better sup- 
ported than on Cumberland Head. It would be a more fa- 
vorable situation for the vessels to act in concert with the 
battery than the othei. Be pleased to favor me with your 
opinion and intentions on this subject. 

Very respct. I am with esteem, your obt. servt. 

T. Macdonough. 
Maj. Gen. Izard 

U. S. Army, Plattsburg. 

General Izard replied on the 19th to Macdonough's 
suggestion by saying: " The absence of the chief en- 
gineer attached to this army prevents me from imme- 
diately determining on the propriety of occupying the 
Point au Roche, which you think the best for the pro- 
tection of your vessels should a superior force make it 



150 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1814 necessary for you to retire from your present position. 
To-morrow, before night, a battery of four eighteen 
pounders shall be established on Cumberland Head 
near the point which we visited together, and from 
thence a further removal can be made as circumstances 
may make it advisable." It had been General Wilkin- 
son's intention to erect a battery at Rouse's Point to 
command the mouth of the river and there was more 
or less correspondence between the Secretary of War 
and General Izard on the same subject, but the plan 
was finally abandoned as no longer practicable. 

From now until the end of August the American 
squadron remained at the lower end of the lake block- 
ading the British vessels in the Richelieu River. On 
June 28 Sailing Master Vallette destroyed, near the 
line, two spars which were being towed down the lake, 
presumably intended for the foremast and mizzenmast 
of the enemy's new ship, and on the night of July 7 
Midshipman Abbot captured, four miles over the line, 
four more spars supposed to be the ship's mainmast 
and three topmasts. A large raft consisting of planks 
and spars and loaded with twenty-seven barrels of tar 
was taken by two of our galleys a mile from the line 
July 23 and six or eight of our worthy citizens who were 
found thereon were handed over to the civil authorities 
for trial on the charge of furnishing succor to the enemy. 
" Traitorous and diabolical traffic " the Burlington Cen- 
tinel called it. By sending out detachments of marines 
from Isle aux Xoix as guards, the masts for the new 
ship were finally secured. The keel of a brig to 
mount 20 guns had been laid at Vergennes July 23. 
She was launched August 11 and joined the squadron 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 151 

off Chazy August 27. On August 25 the frigate Con- 1814 
fiance, mounting 37 guns, was put into the water at Isle 
aux Noix and " the Commissary General and Quarter- 
master General, in order to expedite the new frigate 
(the Confiance) , were directed to suspend every other 
branch of the public service which interfered with its 
equipment." * 

Toward the end of August a pleasant little incident 
occurred in the shape of a formal exchange of courte- 
sies between the commanders of the two squadrons as 
the following notes will show : 

CAPTAIN FISHER TO MACDONOUGH 

Captain Fisher begs the honor of presenting his compliments 
to Commodore Macdonough. He is extremely sorry that he 
gave him the trouble of sending all his flotilla after him this 
morning, but as the gunboats of the squadrons are about 
equal, there can be no difficulty in trying their strength on 
any morning between Point au Fer and Wind Mill Point. 

Captain Fisher has to request the Commodore will excuse 
this note being written in pencil, t but he was in hopes, when 
he first made the signal of truce, that he might have met the 
Commodore in person; and he has also to beg this communi- 
cation may be considered as private and not find its way into 
the newspapers. 
Off Wind Mill Point, 

Monday, Aug. 226., 1814. 

MACDONOUGH TO CAPTAIN FISHER 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, August 22, 1814. 

Capt. Macdonough regrets he did not know Commodore 

Fisher was with the truce this morning. It would have been 

* Christie, p. 140. 

t The note is written in pencil on a scrap of paper three and a half by four 
inches in size. — Author. 



152 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 pleasing to him to meet Commodore Fisher. It was not my 
intention to be unfair this morning. Two of our gunboats 
only were ordered to meet those of yours south of Point au Fer. 
Our forces as to gunboats cannot be considered as equal, 
and taking into view the connection between the land and 
naval operations at this time on this lake, my government 
could not forgive an imprudence individually my own. 

I am with sentiments of high respect your mo. ob. hum. servt. 

T. Macdonough. 
Com. Fisher, 

Comdg. H. B. M. Squadron, Lake Champlain. 

CAPTAIN FISHER TO MACDONOUGH 

Tuesday Afternoon, Aug. 23d, 1S14. 

Dear Sir; I regret equally with yourself the circum- 
stance which prevented my meeting you yesterday morning, 
as it would (and still will) give me much pleasure in the honor 
of being personally known to you. 

I see fully how much your own movements may have to 
depend on those of your army and how little discretion may 
be left to you on this head, but in truth there can be no such 
inequality as to our force in gunboats, and, indeed, yesterday 
(as perhaps you might have seen) we had only nine and some 
of those of a small class. For the rest, if all we hear is correct, 
I am afraid you are entirely outbuilding us.* 

I avail myself of this opportunity to send you the latest 
Montreal newspaper and also some English ones, which, tho' 
old, I believe are the latest that have reached this country; 
and if at any time I can execute here any little personal com- 
mission for yourself it will afford me much pleasure, being 
with great truth and esteem. 

Your very sincere obdt humb. servt 

P. Fisher (Captain). 
Capt. Macdonough, 
&c. &c. &c. 

* Referring, no doubt, to the new brig launched August n. — Author. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 53 

On August 27 the Commodore reported from off 1814 
Chazy that he had with him at that time the 2 6 -gun 
ship Saratoga, a 20-gun brig, the 17-gun schooner Ticon- 
deroga, the 7-gun sloop Preble, the 6-gun sloop Mont- 
gomery, 6 gunboats of 2 guns each, and 4 gunboats of 
1 gun each ; total in guns, 92 . The brig had been named 
the Surprise by her commander on his own authority, 
but on September 6 she was named officially the Eagle. 
No mention is made here of the President, probably 
because she was being used as a transport, as both she 
and the Montgomery were later. It will be noticed 
that another gun had been given the Ticonderoga, two 
guns taken from the Preble, and that four more gun- 
boats were in commission. 

Among the students at Yale College at this time was 
Joseph H. Dulles, of Philadelphia. The Fall vacation 
of his closing term gave him an opportunity of making 
a pleasure trip through Lake George and Lake Cham- 
plain. Bearing in mind President D wight's injunction 
— " Young gentleman, in planning your journey you 
will remember to make allowance for Sabbaths and 
rainy days" — he arranged to spend a Sunday at 
Plattsburg. A friend in Burlington had given him a 
letter of introduction to Macdonough. ' My letter 
being delivered to the commander of the squadron", 
Mr. Dulles writes, ' I received an invitation to dine 
and spend the day on board the flagship on the fol- 
lowing Sunday. That was the 4th of September, the 
day week before the battle of Lake Champlain. At 
the appointed hour the Commodore's gig was ready at 
the landing, and I found a companion for the trip, the 
chaplain of the army stationed at this military post, 



154 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 but who, for very obvious reasons, preferred to exercise 
his function on board the ship rather than among the 
soldiers. At noon divine services were performed, the 
commander and officers being seated on the quarter- 
deck, the chaplain at the capstan, and the crew, about 
300 men, occupied the room from midships to the bow. 
All was orderly, and not only the officers, but the crew, 
showed such marked attention that I expressed my sur- 
prise to the Commodore. He replied, ' The men do be- 
have well, but you must not be deceived by an inference 
that it is from pious feelings altogether', adding, with a 
smile, ' there are other considerations controlling their 
conduct.' 

" I passed some time with the younger officers, 
nearer my own age, and was struck with the palpable 
evidence of the one pervading spirit of a master mind 
that ruled in that mass of volatile young men and the 
rude, man-of-war sailors. The cock, so celebrated in 
the history of the battle for flying up to the yard-arm 
and crowing lustily throughout the engagement, at- 
tracted my attention while he paraded the deck. To 
my simple question addressed to a little group of mid- 
shipmen, ' What do you think about the coming bat- 
tle? ' a young fellow replied, very modestly, ' We know 
the British force to be superior to ours, but we will do 
our duty.' There was at that fearful moment a calm, 
resolute composure in every word and on every face 
that assured me that all would be well. 

" Retiring to the cabin, Commodore Macdonough 
conversed with singular simplicity and with the dignity 
of a Christian gentleman on whose shoulders rested the 
weightiest responsibility that bore on any man in that 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 55 

period of our history. The conflict, inevitably to occur 1814 
within a few days, was to decide the most important 
issues of the war. With the destruction of the Ameri- 
can squadron on Lake Champlain, the British army 
was sure to make its way unobstructed to Albany, 
possibly to New York, and probably dictate the terms 
of an ignominious peace. That army, composed of 
14,000 picked soldiers, fresh from victories in Spain and 
at Waterloo, commanded by a picked ofhcer, the 
governor general of Canada, was on its march south- 
ward, supporting and being supported by the naval 
force on the lake. Macdonough was then 31 years of 
age, but seemingly several years younger, of a light and 
agile frame, easy and graceful in his manners, with an 
expressive countenance, remarkably placid. * * * 
The confidence of his officers and men in him was un- 
bounded, and such as great leaders only can secure. 
While awaiting the dinner hour he entered freely into 
conversation on religious services in the navy, and, 
among other things, remarked that he regarded the 
Epistle of St. James as peculiarly adapted to the sailor's 
mind ; the illustrations drawn from sea life — such as 
1 He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with 
the wind ', and ' Behold the ships, though so great, are 
turned about with a very small helm ' — are very 
striking, and then the plain and forcible manner in 
which the ordinary duties of life are taught, and the 
sins of men are specified and condemned, are easily com- 
prehended, even by men as little instructed as seamen 
usually are. My youthful ears were all attention to 
such language and in such associations. 

" At dinner a blessing, being invited, was offered by 



156 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 the chaplain, and it appeared to be no unusual thing. 
A considerable number of the officers attached to the 
other vessels were present by invitation, as I was told, 
given in rotation. In the midst of the meal the Com- 
modore, calling attention, said, ' Gentlemen, I mean 
the sailor gentlemen, I am just informed by the com- 
mander of the army that the signs of advance by the 
British forces will be signalled by two guns, and you 
will act accordingly.' He retired from the table early 
and the conversation became more unrestrained, and 
when one of the lieutenants enforced some remark 
with an oath, an officer sitting near him immediately 
exclaimed, ' Sir, I am astonished at your using such 
language. You know you would not do it if the Com- 
modore was present.' There was a dead pause, and a 
seeming acquiescence in the propriety of the rebuke, 
severe as it was. At the close of the day the strangers 
were brought on shore and the men of the squadron 
left in hourly expectation of a battle." 



CHAPTER X 
1814 

British prepare to invade New York — American plans to repel invasion — 
Control of the lake the key to the situation — British advance by land and water — 
American gunboats in skirmish at Dead Creek — British army on north bank of 
Saranac River — Commodore Downie proceeds up the lake — American naval 
force — British naval force — Macdonough's preparations for receiving attack. 

Early in the year the British had begun to strengthen 1814 
their land force in the vicinity of Lake Champlain. 
Napoleon's abdication made available for service else- 
where Wellington's magnificent army which had 
brought low the eagles of France. In July and Aug- 
ust not less than 15,000 troops, chiefly from the Pen- 
insular, arrived at Montreal, all of whom were retained 
for the invasion of New York except one brigade which 
was sent farther west. These men were veterans of 
the Douro and the Tagus, the Ebro and Garonne. They 
were part of "an unrivalled army for fighting ", as 
Wellington had described them the year before. By 
September 3 Sir George Prevost, governor of Lower 
Canada and commander-in-chief of the forces, had 
assembled between 11,000 and 14,000 men at Cham- 
plain. It was thought by some that it was his inten- 
tion to drive this force, like a wedge, along the line of 
Lake Champlain and Lake George, through Albany 
and down the valley of the Hudson and split New 
England from the rest of the Union. " From informa- 
tion received, and corroborated by the movements of 
the enemy ", said Governor Tompkins in his address 

i57 



158 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 814 to the New York legislature September 27, " there 
were sufficient grounds of belief that one great object 
of his compaign was to penetrate, with his northern 
army, by the waters of Lake Champlain and the Hud- 
son, and, by a simultaneous attack with his maritime 
force on New York, to form a junction which should 
sever the communication of the states." It is more 
likely, however, that Prevost was instructed to seize 
and occupy Crown Point or Ticonderoga, or both, with 
the ulterior motive of turning their possession to 
account in the pending negotiations for peace. To 
Captain George Downie, late of the Montreal on Lake 
Ontario, but commanding the British squadron on 
Lake Champlain since September 3, was entrusted the 
responsibility of supporting the left flank of the army 
on its advance along the west side of the lake. 

Meanwhile preparations had been made on the Ameri- 
can side to repel the threatened invasion. After the 
unfortunate affair at Lacolle Mill in March, General 
"Wilkinson was relieved of his command and was suc- 
ceeded by Major General Izard. During the summer 
there were several encounters between the British and 
American forces in the vicinity of the line but no im- 
portant engagement occurred. Early in August Izard's 
army, which had been gradually strengthened, was 
holding positions at Plattsburg, Chazy and Champlain. 
At a moment when there was every indication that a 
battle would soon be fought which would decide the 
fate of the campaign and the control of the country bor- 
dering on the lake, General Izard was suddenly ordered 
by the Secretary of War to proceed with a large part of 
his force to Sackett's Harbor. He accordingly started 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 59 

thither August 29 with 4,000 men, leaving General 181 4 
Macomb to make the best stand he could with the hand- 
ful of men who remained. Macomb at once concen- 
trated his whole force (1,500 effective regulars) at 
Plattsburg, called in the New York and Vermont militia, 
and prepared to resist the British advance. His right 
was supported by the American squadron which had 
retired from its position near the line to Plattsburg 
Bay September 1 . 

The success of Prevost's plan of invasion was de- 
pendent upon Downie's ability to destroy Macdonough's 
force or to so cripple it as to render it harmless. Sir 
George could not advance and leave a hostile force in 
his rear capable of harassing his left flank and of cut- 
ting his communication with Canada. The control of 
the lake was the key to the situation and Macdonough 
realized it. He did not propose to give up without a 
struggle what had cost him so much labor to secure. 
He appreciated fully the responsibility of his position 
and the results which would follow his failure to equal 
the emergency. 

Several government batteaux loaded with provisions 
were left at Chazy by General Izard when he withdrew 
August 29, and on the same day Macdonough suggested 
to Macomb that the supplies had better be removed. 
That night the latter sent an officer and 75 men to 
Chazy after the stores and the next day advised Mac- 
donough that he had done so, adding, " I have also or- 
dered the troops at Cumberland Head to join the 
garrison at this post as you are now strong enough to 
take care of yourself; and beside, if the heavy guns 
at the Head were to fall into the hands of the 



l6o LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 814 enemy, they might very readily be employed in annoy- 
ing you at the various passes of the lake. Under this 
conviction I have thought it prudent to evacuate the 
Head and bring away the garrison and guns." 

On September 1, at 10 a.m., Macomb notified Mac- 
donough, who was lying north of Cumberland Head, 
that the enemy had advanced to Champlain and said : 
"I have withdrawn the guns and garrison from Cum- 
berland Head. Would it not be well for your whole 
flotilla to drop down to the Head, so that in case the 
enemy should march by the Dead Creek road the galleys 
could annoy him in passing the beach and in other re- 
spects might afford us assistance." The squadron re- 
tired to Plattsburg Bay the same day. On the 4th the 
main body of the enemy reached Chazy and the next 
night encamped near Sampson's, about eight miles 
from Plattsburg. At the same time Captain Pring, 
with the British gunboats, left Isle aux Noix (on the 
3rd), moved up the lake as far as Isle la Motte and 
erected (on the 4th) a battery of three long 18-pounders 
on the west side of the island, opposite Chazy, to cover 
the landing of supplies for the troops. 

On the morning of the 6th, before daylight, the 
British troops advanced in two columns, one by way 
of the Beekmantown road and the other by the road 
over Dead Creek bridge and along the beach at the 
north end of Plattsburg Bay. When the left column 
reached Dead Creek at 10 a.m. it was checked by a gall- 
ing fire from the gunboats which had been ordered to 
the mouth of the creek on the 5th at Macomb's request. 
The enemy soon brought up their artillery, however, 
which opened fire from screened positions in the 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH l6l 

woods upon the exposed gunboats. The accuracy of 1814 
this fire and a heavy sea which prevented the latter 
from bringing their guns to bear made it prudent for 
them to withdraw. Lieutenant Silas Duncan, of the 
Saratoga, was sent in a gig to order the gunboats to 
retire. As Duncan approached, the enemy's fire was 
concentrated on his boat and he was severely wounded, 
but he pluckily delivered his orders to Sailing Master 
Robins of the Allen. One of the gunboats drifted 
under the British guns but was eventually brought off 
with the others. The boats sustained a loss of one 
killed and three wounded. The day previous Macdon- 
ough had appointed Midshipman Duncan acting 3rd 
lieutenant of the Saratoga. The young officer lost his 
right arm in the gunboat engagement and afterwards 
received the thanks of Congress for his gallant behavior 
on this occasion. 

Both the British columns reached the north bank of 
the Saranac River on the 6th, the American skirmishers 
falling back slowly before them. From then to the 10th 
Prevost was engaged in bringing up his guns and sup- 
plies and in preparing his approaches. The American 
vessels were in plain view and he sent a message back 
to Captain Downie informing him of their number, dis- 
position and armament. Captain Downie joined Cap- 
tain Pring at Isle la Motte on the 8th with the rest of 
his force. The Confiance grounded as she was coming 
up the Richelieu River the day before but was hauled 
off without injury. At daylight on the nth the entire 
British squadron weighed anchor and stood up the 
lake with a fair breeze from the northeast. 

The American force consisted of the 26-gun ship 



162 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 814 Saratoga, Master Commandant Thomas Macdonough ; 
the 20-gun brig Eagle, Master Commandant Robert 
Henley; the 17-gun schooner Ticonderoga, Lieutenant 
Stephen Cassin; the 7-gun sloop Preble, Lieutenant 
Charles Budd ; the gunboats Allen (Sailing Master Wil- 
liam M. Robins), Burrows (Sailing Master Samuel 
Keteltas), Borer (Midshipman T. A. Conover), Nettle 
(Midshipman S. L. Breese), Viper (Lieutenant Francis 
J. Mitchell) and Centipede (Sailing Master D. V. Haz- 
ard) of 2 guns each, and the Ludlow (Master's Mate 
John Freeborn), Wilmer (Sailing Master Daniel S. Stell- 
wagon), Alwyn (Acting Sailing Master Bancroft) and 
Ballard (Master's Mate Stephen Holland) of 1 gun each. 
Neither the President nor the Montgomery were in the 
action. They were being used as transports and on 
the nth the Montgomery was at Burlington and the 
President was twenty miles south of Plattsburg, with 
her guns on shore, repairing damages received in a 
heavy blow on the 7 th. Both vessels were pressed 
into service to carry troops from Burlington and other 
points on the lake to Macomb's support; otherwise, 
and had it not been for the accident to the President, 
they would no doubt have taken part in the engage- 
ment, for Macdonough needed every gun he could 
command. 

Unfortunately there is no official report of the num- 
ber of men on board the American vessels at the time 
of the action. On May 23, 1815, Purser George Beale, 
Jr., prize agent, submitted to the Secretary of the Navy 
a plan for the distribution of the prize money. This 
plan, which the Secretary approved, shows that the 
whole number of persons attached to the squadron on 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 163 

September n was 1,049. On March 20, 181 5, Mac- 1814 
donough sent to the Secretary of the Navy a " Roll of 
seamen &c in the squadron on Lake Champlain in the 
action of 11 Sept., 1814, entitled to three months extra 
pay by act of Congress passed 20th Octr, 18 14." This 
roll (now in the office of the Fourth Auditor of the 
Treasury) contains the name of every person below 
the ranks of midshipman and sailing master as required 
by the act of Congress referred to (see appendix L). 
Beale's figures and the roll, considered together, show 
that the force was composed as follows : 

Commissioned officers of the navy and sailing masters .. 62 

Midshipmen 39 

Petty officers 31 

Seamen, ordinary seamen, landsmen and boys 660 

Commissioned officers of the army acting as marines .... 6 

Non-commissioned officers of the army acting as marines, 1 o 

Privates of infantry acting as marines 241 



1,049 

There have been conflicting statements as to the 
precise number on board the vessels during the action. 
The following table shows the figures given by the best 
known writers on both sides, but their figures are not 
supported by any authorities : 

Lossing * James 

250 





Cooper 


Roosevelt 


Saratoga 


212 


240 


Eagle 


I50 


I50 


Ticonderoga .... 


no 


112 


Preble 


3° 


30 


10 gunboats 


35° 


350 


Marines 








852 


882 


* Gives total only. 







142 

us 

45 
346 

52 
882 950 



164 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 The Burlington (Vt.) Centinel of September 16 says: 
" The following account of the force and loss on board 
the British and American fleets was received by a gen- 
tleman in this place directly from Commodore Mac- 
donough and put on paper on the spot and may be 
relied on as correct so far as his indefatigable attention 
to the wounded and the burial of the dead and the fidel- 
ity of the British officers have enabled him to ascer- 
tain the facts." (See appendix, D.) The American 
force is there stated to be — Saratoga 210 men, Eagle 
120, Ticonderoga no, Preble 30, ten gunboats 350; 
total 820. The Centinel's account contains internal 
evidence (such as the uncorrected number of the Eagle's 
wounded) that Macdonough gave out the figures before 
writing his official report (see appendix, B), and the 
slight differences between them and the latter, which 
left Plattsburg the 13th, are natural and easily ex- 
plained. The accuracy of the American commander's 
unofficial statement of the number of his vessels, guns, 
killed and wounded is a logical reason for accepting 
his statement of the number of men as also correct, es- 
pecially as there is not a particle of evidence to the con- 
trary. I have therefore considered the American force 
actually engaged as numbering 820, including seamen 
and soldiers. The composition of the force shows that 
the latter must have been included in this number. Of 
the remaining 229 men, some formed the crews of the 
President and Montgomery, others were in the hospital, 
a number were on recruiting sendee and other shore 
duty, and several had recently been released from the 
jail at St. Albans and were not in the action, as is 
shown by notations on the purser's pay roll. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 165 



The tonnage of the American vessels can only be 1814 
estimated. Macdonough said the Saratoga was " be- 
tween the Pike and the Madison on Lake Ontario." 
As the Pike was 875 tons and the Madison 593, this 
would make the Saratoga 734 tons. The Eagle was 
about the size of the Lawrence and Niagara on Lake 
Erie, or 480 tons. The Ticonderoga was about 350 
tons, and the Preble about 80. The six large gunboats 
were about 70 tons each, and the four small ones about 
40 tons each. 

The American force consisted, then, of the following 

vessels : 

American Squadron 

Tons * Crew Guns 

r 8 long 24's 

734 210 26 1 6 42-pd carronades 

(12 32-pd carronades 

( 8 long i8's 
480 120 20 -s 



Ship Saratoga 



Brig Eagle 



Schooner Ticonderoga 350 no 



Sloop Preble 
6 gunboats f 
4 gunboats % 



80 30 



17 

7 



420 246 12 



160 104 



4 
86 



.2 32-pd carronades 
8 long 12's 

4 long 18's 

5 32-pd carronades 
long 9's 

1 long 24 ^ 

1 18-pd col- Veach 

umbiad ) 
1 long 12 each 



2,224 820 

The British force consisted of the 3 7 -gun frigate Con- 
fiance, Captain George Downie; the 16-gun brig Lin- 
net^ Captain Daniel Pring; the 11-gun sloops Chub, 

* Estimated. 

+ Allen, Burrows, Borer, Nettle, Viper, Centipede. 

J Ludlow, Wilmer, Alwyn, Ballard. 

§ In breaking out the Linnet's hold six months later two long i8's, eleven long 



l66 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 Lieutenant James McGhie, and Finch, Lieutenant Wil- 
liam Hicks ; five gunboats of 2 guns each and seven of 
1 gun each. The Chub and Finch were the Broke and 
Shannon ; before that the Growler and Eagle, captured 
from us June 3, 1813. The American official report 
mentions 13 gunboats, but this is evidently a mis- 
take. The London Naval Chronicle (Vol. xxxii, p. 
.245) contains a list of the English gunboats on Lake 
Champlain in August, 1814, which foots up 12. Sir 
George Prevost, who no doubt knew exactly what force 
Downie had, mentions the same number in his report to 
Earl Bathurst. A store sloop accompanied the British 
vessels and it is quite likety that she was erroneously 
included in the count of the gunboats. 

There was no official report published of the number 
of men in Downie's squadron. The following table 
shows the strength of the British crews according to 
the writers already quoted in connection with the 
American force: 



Confiance 


300 


Linnet 


80 to IOO 


Chub 


about 40 


Finch 


40 


12 gunboats 


53° 




about 1,000 



evelt 


Lossing * 


James t 


325 




270 


125 




80 


50 




40 


5° 




3° 


387 




294 



about 937 1,000+ 714 



Lossing quotes a statement made to him personally 
by Admiral Hiram Paulding, who was a midshipman on 



12's, fifteen heavy swivels and a quantity of shot were found, placed there for 
ballast. 

* Gives total only. 

t Gives British but 10 gunboats. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 167 

the Ticonderoga, that the enemy's gunboats averaged 1814 
50 men each. James attempts to show that the num- 
ber of men actually engaged was but 537, with a cor- 
respondingly inferior force in vessels and guns, but 
Roosevelt, in his " Naval War of 181 2 ", points out the 
weakness of James' position and the utter absurdity 
of such a claim. The Burlington Centinel (see appen- 
dix, D) gives the Confiance 300 men, the Linnet 120, 
the Chub and Finch 40 each, and 11 gunboats 550; 
total 1,050. Captain Pring reported to Sir George Pre- 
vost the same figures for the four larger vessels. The 
statement that the crew of the Confiance numbered 300 
is also corrobated by Midshipman Lea of that vessel (see 
appendix, H). The Chub and Finch had 50 men each 
when captured from us the year before, and no doubt 
80 men for the two vessels is within the actual number. 
With the Linnet's crew of 120 we have exactly 500 men 
for the four larger vessels. 

The same result can be reached in a different way. 
The Centinel's no wounded are included, doubtless, in 
the 367 prisoners who were sent to Greenbush (except 
Captain Pring) and the 47 wounded men paroled men- 
tioned in Macdonough's official report. Now, by add- 
ing to the prisoners (367) and the wounded men 
paroled (47) the Centinel's 84 dead, we have 498 men 
for the four larger vessels or within two of the num- 
ber stated by the Centinel and Captain Pring. I have 
therefore accepted 500 men as an aggregate of the 
crews of the frigate, brig and sloops. 

As to the gunboats, the number, of course, should be 
12, and Macdonough's average of 50 men to each boat 
is supported by Admiral Paulding's statement to Loss- 



l68 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 ing to the same effect. It is probable, then, that the 
number of men in the British gunboats was 600. This 
seems the more likely when it is remembered that 
their crews were largely composed of soldiers, who 
could easily be drawn in any number from Prevost's 
great army. James makes the figures considerably 
less, even allowing for the two gunboats he does not 
mention. He underestimates the strength of the four 
larger vessels by just 16 per cent. Adding 16 per cent 
to his gunboat figures we have 347 instead of 294 men 
for ten boats, or an average of 35 to a boat, and adding 
70 for his two missing boats we get a total of 417. 
While these figures are probably too low, I shall use 
them in order to avoid, if possible, an overestimate of 
the British force. This gives a total of 917 as the 
strength of Downie's squadron. 

The Confiance was carried for several years on the 
navy list in the class with the frigates Constellation, 
Congress and Macedonian, rated as 36's, which would 
make her over 1,200 tons. Cooper says she was 
' nearly double the tonnage of the Saratoga." She 
had the gun deck of a heavy frigate, no spar deck, but 
a spacious topgallant forecastle and a poop which ex- 
tended to the mizzenmast. She carried a furnace for 
heating shot. James indignantly denies it, but un- 
reasonably. It was not only true but a perfectly legiti- 
mate advantage. The Linnet was about the size of 
the Ticonderoga, 350 tons. The Chub was 112 and 
the Finch no tons respectively. The five large gun- 
boats were about 70 tons each and the seven small 
ones about 40 tons each. Downie, then, had the fol- 
lowing force : 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGII 169 



British Squadron 

Tons * Crew Guns 

Frigate Confiance 1,200 300 37 



1814 



Brig Linnet 
Sloop Chub 

Sloop Finch 

3 gunboats 

1 gunboat 

1 gunboat 

4 gunboats 
3 gunboats 



350 120 16 
112 40 11 i 

no 40 11 

2I0\ 

70 
70 

160 

120/ 3 

2,402 917 92 



417 



27 long 24's 
4 32-pd carronades 
6 24-pd carronades 

long 12's 

10 18-pd carronades 
1 long 6 

6 18-pd carronades 

4 long 6's 

1 18-pd columbiad 

1 long 24 \ 
1 32-pd car- Veach 
ronade ) 

1 long 18 

1 32-pd carronade 

1 long 18 

1 18-pd carronade 

1 32-pd car- ) 

, {■ each 

ronade ) 

1 Ions: 18 each 



Each squadron was more or less deficient in equip- 
ment, but this disadvantage was common to both. 
Captain Pring referred specifically in his report to Sir 
James Yeo (see appendix, E) to the lack of gun locks on 
the Confiance, but 37 of them are mentioned in the 
marshall's libel of that vessel. It is possible, of course, 
that some of them did not fit and could not be used. It 
is but fair to say that the Confiance, which was only six- 



* Estimated. 



i;o LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 teen days off the stocks, could, and doubtless would, 
have been better prepared had Downie been given 
more time. On the other hand the American brig 
Eagle had been only thirty days in the water, had but 
recently joined the squadron, and was ready for service 
only eight days before the Confiance. The British 
were fortunate in having plenty of sailors, strong de- 
tachments of whom had been sent from Quebec. 
Plenty of soldiers were to be had both for the large 
vessels and the gunboats. The 39th regiment supplied 
a considerable portion of the latter's crews, and a de- 
tachment of 60 or 70 men of the 3rd battalion, Cana- 
dian militia, under Captain Daly and Lieutenant 
Hercules Olivier, was distributed in three of the boats. 
By substituting seamen, as fast as they reached the 
lake, for the soldiers he had borrowed, Macdonough 
reduced the number of the latter to 257 officers and 
men, who acted as marines. There was some excellent 
material in the American crews. Sailing Master Val- 
lette, while recruiting in New York, sent up a draft in 
March whom he called " very good ", and he described 
another draft in May as " the best men that have been 
shipped in New York this some time." 

There was no lack of confidence on either side. A 
Canadian writer, Sir E. P. Tache, who was also an eye- 
witness of the battle, says: ' English writers have 
made use of many excuses to explain the defeat of our 
squadron on Lake Champlain in 181 4. No one, how- 
ever, has dared to confess the true reason — the too 
high opinion we entertained of ourselves and our under- 
estimate of the bravery of our enemies." Christie, a 
countryman of Downie's, writes: " The strongest con- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 171 

fidence prevailed in the superiority of the British ves- I 8i4 
sels, their weight of metal, and in the capacity and ex- 
perience of their officers and crews." Captain Downie 
is reported by his own writers to have said that he con- 
sidered the Confiance a match for the whole American 
squadron. Under certain conditions this was true. 
" If Macdonough could be brought to action on equal 
terms as to position — that is, under sail on the open 
lake — he would be inferior to the British for the same 
reason that Yeo, through most of 1813, was inferior to 
Chauncey on Ontario. As the General Pike was there 
superior to the whole British squadron, under way, so in 
like circumstance was the Confiance superior to Mac- 
donough's entire command." * 

The prevailing winds on Lake Champlain are from 
the north or south. As the lake vessels were poor 
sailers on the wind owing to their shallow draught and 
flat bottoms, it was almost certain that Downie would 
come up the lake with a northerly wind. He would 
then, however, be forced to enter the bay with his ves- 
sels close hauled, their worst point of sailing, and as 
soon as he got under the lee of Cumberland Head would 
find the breeze light and fitful. He could not afford 
the time, nor would it be safe, to lie outside and wait 
for a southerly wind. With these conditions in mind 
and assuming that Downie would come up and attack 
with a northerly wind, Macdonough decided to await 
the enemy at anchor in Plattsburg Bay and made his 
arrangements accordingly. Plattsburg, or Cumber- 
land, Bay extends north and south. It is bounded on 

* Captain A. T. Mahan, U. S. N.,in his " War of 1812 " (Scribner's Magazine. 
January, 1905). 



172 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

18 14 the west and north by the main land and on the east by 
Cumberland Head. Its principal entrance is between 
Cumberland Head and Crab Island. The distance be- 
tween these points is two and three-tenths miles. 
Shoals extend one-sixth of a mile southwest from Cum- 
berland Head and one-fifth of a mile northeast from 
Crab Island. The narrower entrance between Crab 
Island and the main land is not quite a mile wide. The 
distance from Plattsburg to the nearest point on 
Cumberland Head is two miles. The Eagle, Saratoga, 
Ticonderoga and Preble, in the order named, were 
secured in a line ahead from north to south, something 
over a mile east of the batteries at Plattsburg. The 
Eagle lay well south of the mouth of the Saranac River * 
and the Preble was about a mile and a half off Crab 
Island. Each vessel was provided with springs, i. e., 
hawsers attached to the bow anchor or its cable and ex- 
tended along the length of the vessel to the stern. By 
hauling on the port or starboard spring the vessel could 
be canted one way or the other. Stern anchors were 
also provided in case of emergency. As a further pre- 
caution, a kedge anchor was planted broad off each bow 
of the Saratoga with a hawser leading from each quarter 
to the kedge on that side. Thus the control of the 
direction of broadsides, the possibility of a shift of 
wind, and the means for winding ship, if necessary, 
were all provided for. As it turned out, these very 
precautions saved the day. The gunboats, under 
sweeps and sails, were stationed about forty yards 
west of the larger vessels in a line abreast — three off 

* The Eagle's log shows that she took her position in the line on the 7th, with 
Crab Island bearing about south-southwest, distant two miles. 




Plate i 

The Commodore's Pencil Sketch (slightly reduced) of the 

Positions of the British and American Squadrons before 

AND DURING THE ACTION OF SEPTEMBER II, 1814 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 73 

the port bow of the Eagle, two between the Eagle and 1814 
the Saratoga, two between the Saratoga and the Ticon- 
deroga, and three between the Ticonderoga and the 
Preble. One division, comprising the Borer, Nettle and 
Viper, was commanded by Lieutenant Mitchell; an- 
other division, comprising the Allen, Centipede and 
Burrows, was commanded by Sailing Master Robins; 
another division, comprising the Wilmer and Ballard, 
was commanded by Sailing Master Stellwagon; and 
another division, comprising the Ludlow and Alwyn, 
was commanded by Acting Sailing Master Bancroft. 
The sick had been removed from Plattsburg at the 
approach of the British and taken to a temporary 
hospital on Crab Island. A 6 -pounder was mounted 
on the north side of the island to be manned, if neces- 
sary, by some of the invalids. 

Plate 1 is a reproduction (slightly reduced) of a pencil 
sketch made by Macdonough on the back of a letter 
from Andrew William Cochran, Acting Deputy Judge 
Advocate to the British forces, inquiring the position 
of the American vessels during the action (see appendix, 
I). With Cochran's question in mind he probably 
indicated the relative positions of his vessels and the 
batteries correctly although he was evidently not 
drawing by scale. The line is here shown to be a little 
over half way from Plattsburg to Cumberland Head. 
As the distance between these points is two miles, we 
may fairly assume that the line was a little over a mile 
from the Plattsburg batteries, as already stated. The 
Commodore's sketch is more likely to indicate the true 
distance of the squadron from the western shore than 
the letter he wrote to Cadwallader R. Colden in which 



174 LIFE OF COMMOD * MAS MACDONOUGH 

1S14 he estimate I stance at a mile and a half (see 

appendix. KV Plate a shows the | - o msof the Brit- 
ish and American vessels e and during the action. 
A;:;:: ties * as to whether th< American vessels 
were within range of the land batteries. General 
M« .' were not. Prevost ted 
that they were anchored "out of gun shot from the 
shore ". C is d □ t mmittal, Lossing is silent, 
and Roosevelt puts them " out of range of the shore 
ries' 1 but considerably east < tual posi- 
I : on. The X ew England Palladium of Ma re h a 4 . 1815, 
..ins the item: " A gentleman from the frontier 

e^ 

informs that several British - had visited and 

dined with Gen, Macomb ..: Plattsburg, A: their 1 
quest ex leriments, it is said, wore ma m the forts 

to as ether, if the British had taken them, 

the] ive annoyed Com. Mat ugh's fleet, 

and it was und they could not.*' Onth< therhand, 
S James Yeo believed that the American line v. 5 
within reach of the sh n atteries and Jai es greed 
with him. Th< assum] lion that such was I . case was 
th< asis former's subsequent charges against 

Pre"v st s« .. pendix, G). In bringing General Ma- 
comb's opinion ; Ma< nough's attei 

er an tunity to e\ re ss 

his own views on the sub an : . his si 

point migh I easily 1 ral's 

Captain Mah scusses at ..: Length 

in his adnv Sea P< wer in Its R< 

Wai [812." Taking everything int ( os lerat 
th us seems to be justirie the Am< 

while not within AA. ig range 




A. Fort Moreau 

B. Fort Brown 

C. Fort Scott 
HoA. Block House 
No.?. " " 

No.3. Excavation for a Block House 

D. Stores 



The C and H in broken outline and with 
dotted tracks show the course and posi- 
tions intended for the Cor fiance and 
Chub, which they mere unable to effect 



American.. 
British 



.o 

..o 



British Batteries 
No. 1 . 3 Guns and I Howitzer 
No.2. Pocket Battery 
No.3. Mortar Battery 
No. 4. 3 Guns throning Shrapnels Shells 
No.5. 4 Guns 18 Pounders and Rocket Battery 
No.6. 3 Heavy Guns and Rockets 
No. 7. Heavy Guns to keep off the Galleys 

No.6. ' " 

a. a. a. British Camps 



Plate 2 

Diagram Showing the British and American Batteries at 

Plattsburg and the Positions Assumed by the Vessels 

of the Two Squadrons during the Engagement 

ok September ii, 1 S 1 4 

(By permission of Captain A. T. Mahan, U. S. N.) 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 75 

the Plattsburg batteries, could, nevertheless, have been 1814 
injured by long range shots and driven from the bay 
had Prevost carried Macomb's position and opened fire 
from the latter's works. 

The American commander's power to choose where 
and how he should receive the British attack was, in 
itself, a very appreciable offset to the enemy's superi- 
ority. His position and arrangements secured him 
other very decided advantages. By anchoring so far 
within the bay, Downie would be compelled to take a 
position inside of Cumberland Head and within range 
of the American short guns. The light and uncertain 
wind under Cumberland Head, with the possible neces- 
sity of tacking, would make an approach to the head of 
the line both tedious and exposed. The weather end 
of the line was strengthened more than the rear because, 
if either were exclusively attacked, the rear could be 
succored from windward while the van could not be 
reinforced from leeward. Before engaging, the Eagle 
mastheaded her topsail yards with a view to relieving 
the rear should the weight of the attack fall on that 
end of the line. 

The preparations for receiving the enemy were not 
left until the last moment. Macdonough was informed 
of the condition and movements of the British vessels 
and knew that Prevost's arrival at Plattsburg would 
be followed by Downie's advance. By the 8th, at 
least, all was ready, and from then to the nth every 
man and boy in the American squadron was in daily 
expectation of seeing the British ensign come fluttering 
around the point of Cumberland Head. 



CHAPTER XI 
1814 

Action of September n — Defeat of the British squadron — The losses on 
both sides — British wounded removed to Crab Island — Burial of American and 
British officers with honors of war — Letters of English officers to Macdonough — 
His criticism of the Eagle's action in leaving her station during the engagement — 
Rewards to the victors — Charges against Prevost — Macdonough 's toast. 

1814 Commodore Dowxie weighed anchor at daylight 
on the nth and stood up the lake with a moderate 
wind from the northeast. So far Macdonough's cal- 
culations had proved correct. " When the enemy hove 
in sight at the distance of six miles I made the signal 
' Impressed seamen call on every man to do his duty." " * 
At 8 o'clock! the lookout boat lying off the entrance to 
the bay reported the British vessels well up toward 
Gravelly Point. The first sail to clear Cumberland 
Head was a store sloop attached to the squadron. 
Then, one by one, came the fighting ships; first the 
Finch and then the Confiance, followed by the Linnet 
and the Chub. As soon as the rearmost of these four 
vessels had cleared the Head they hove to. The slower 
moving gunboats then passed down the line and formed 
to leeward. Downie had already been advised by Sir 

* Macdonough to C. A. Rodney. 

t Captain Pring's official report and Midshipman Lea's letter (see appendix, 
E and H, respectively 1 ! disagree both with Macdonough's report and with each 
other as to the time the British squadron appeared off Plattsburg Bay and the 
time the engagement began. A number o: independent original authorities, 
however, among them General Macomb, agree with the <' American 

commander on each of these points and I see no good reason for not accepting the 

er's figures as corrtv:. 

176 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH I 77 

George Prevost of the disposition of the American ves- 1814 
sels and he had formed his plan of attack. The 
Confiance should engage the Saratoga ; but before doing 
so, would pass along the Eagle, from north to south, give 
her a broadside, and then anchor head and stern across 
the bows of the Saratoga. After this, the Linnet sup- 
ported by the Chub, would become the opponent of the 
Eagle, reduced more nearly to equality by the punish- 
ment already received. Three British vessels would 
thus grapple the two strongest enemies. The Finch 
was to attack the American rear, supported by all the 
British gunboats. ' ' * His final instructions having been 
communicated to the commanding officers, Downie gave 
the signal a few minutes before 9 for the squadron to 
advance. The British vessels filled away and stood into 
the bay. The Chub pointed well to windward of the 
head of the American line; the Linnet laid her course 
toward the Eagle's bow; the Confiance headed in a 
direction to enable her to execute her intended manoeu- 
vre ; while the Finch and gunboats made directly for 
the Ticonderoga and Preble. 

There was now a hushed, expectant moment like the 
stillness which precedes the storm. Macdonough, 
whose manly courage was supported by a childlike 
faith, knelt on the deck of the flagship with his officers 
around him and repeated the prayer appointed by the 
Church to be said before a fight at sea. 

The enemy's vessels advanced slowly and steadily. 
While they were still some distance away, the impatient 
Henley let go his broadside of long 18's at the Confiance, 
which was considerably in the lead, but she was out of 

* Captain A. T. Mahan's " Sea Power in Its Relations to the War of 1812", II, 377. 



178 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 reach. The effect of the Eagle's fire was watched from 
the Saratoga, and as soon as the British flagship ap- 
peared to be within range Macdonough personally- 
sighted and fired one of his long 24's. The shot entered 
near the hawse-hole and ranged the length of the deck, 
killing and wounding several men. " Just as the first 
gun was fired from my ship I made the signal ' Close 
action.' "* All the American vessels now opened fire. 
The Confiance did not reply to the Saratoga's shot but 
stood on with the intention of gaining her position. 
She was now well under the lee of Cumberland Head 
where the wind was light and uncertain, as Macdon- 
ough had foreseen it would be. Downie evidently 
underestimated the power of annoyance possessed by 
his antagonist and overestimated his own power of en- 
durance. His port bower anchor and also a spare 
anchor in the port fore-chains were presently shot 
away and our fire began to tell upon him severely. 
Finding it impossible to stand on any longer, he was 
compelled to come to and let go his starboard bower 
while still 350 f yards from the American line. The 
Linnet and Chub, which had been left some distance 
astern by the Confiance, now came up, and as the for- 
mer passed the Saratoga to take her station she fired 
her broadside of long 12's at the flagship but without 
inflicting any injury. One of the balls broke a coop 
containing a gamecock which some of the sailors had 
brought on board. Unterrified by the din of battle and 
evidently feeling that he was now in his proper place, 
the cock flew into the rigging, flapped his wings, and 

* Macdonough to C A. Rodney. No other signal was made during the battle. 
1 1 have taken the mean between the distances given by Pring and Macdonough. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 79 

crowed loudly and defiantly. The men considered 1814 
this an omen of success and answered him with cheers. 
The Linnet took a position a little forward of the Eagle's 
beam and nearer the American line than was the Con- 
fiance. Meanwhile the Finch and the 12 gunboats 
worked into positions favorable for attacking the 
Ticonderoga and Preble. 

The battle now resolved itself into two distinct parts. 
One consisted of the Eagle, Saratoga and 7 gunboats 
against the Confiance, Linnet and Chub ; and the other 
consisted of the Ticonderoga, Preble and 3 gunboats 
against the Finch and 4 gunboats, the others not ven- 
turing to close. 

Downie brought his ship to anchor in beautiful style 
and did not fire a gun until everything had been se- 
cured. Then he poured a broadside into the American 
flagship. The effect of his double-shotted long 24's, 
carefully aimed in smooth water at point blank range, 
was terrible. The Saratoga shivered from keel to 
truck and fairly reeled from the blow. When the shock 
subsided nearly half her crew were found stretched on 
deck, for many were thrown down who were not se- 
riously hurt. The effect was but momentary. The 
dead and wounded were quickly passed below and the 
survivors took up the fight with undiminished courage. 
Among those killed by this discharge was the Sara- 
toga's 2nd lieutenant, Peter Gamble. He was kneeling 
down in the act of sighting a bow gun when a shot en- 
tered the port, split the quoin and drove part of it 
against his breast, killing him without breaking the 
skin. Very soon after this the gallant Downie fell. 
He was standing behind one of his guns when a shot 



l8o LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 from the Saratoga struck it, throwing it off its carriage 
and against him, killing him instantly.* 

The battle had now become general and active. 
The Chub, which, with the Linnet, was engaging the 
Eagle and a division of gunboats, soon had her spars, 
sails and rigging so damaged that she drifted helplessly 
down the American line. As she neared the Saratoga 
the latter gave her a single shot and she lowered her 
colors. Midshipman Piatt, of the flagship, took pos- 
session of her and anchored her inshore. The Finch 
kept edging down upon the starboard quarter of the 
Preble with the apparent intention of taking a raking 
position under her stern, to prevent which Lieutenant 
Budd let go his spring (which had become too short 
owing to a shift of the wind to the eastward), got a 
couple of sweeps out of the stern ports, and by their 
use kept his broadside to bear. Four gunboats now 
came down on the Preble's weather bow intending to 
board her, whereupon Budd cut his cable, wore around 
toward the Finch and ran inshore, letting go his port 
broadside at the gunboats as he went about. About 
an hour after the engagement began the Finch, crippled 
by the guns of the Ticonderoga and Preble, drifted 
upon the rocks off Crab Island. Some of the invalids 
from the hospital manned the 6 -pounder and gave her 
a shot or two, when she struck. 

Having disposed of the Preble, four of the gunboats 
(the others kept at a distance) now .attacked the Ticon- 
deroga. Again and again they swept up to within 

* The Honorable J. C Hubbell, of Chazy, went on board the Confiance shortly after 
the close of the action and saw Captain Downie. He describes him as a fine 
looking, portly Englishman, and as he lay in his berth with his breast bared no 
wound was visible, only a broad black streak across his chest. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH l8l 

almost grappling distance of her, and were as often 1814 
repulsed. Lieutenant Cassin coolly walked the schoon- 
er's after deck amid a storm of missiles, watching their 
movements and directing his guns to be loaded with 
canister and bags of musket balls when they attempted 
to close. Among the schooner's officers was Midship- 
man Hiram Paulding, who had been put in command 
of a division of 8 guns. When the gunboats approached 
it was discovered that owing to the haste with which 
the squadron had been fitted out the matches for firing 
the pieces were useless, but the resourceful young 
officer discharged the guns by flashing his pistol at 
them and kept this up through the whole fight. To 
carry the Ticonderoga by a fire poured into her stern 
or by boarding her over the taffrail were both perse- 
veringly attempted and as gallantly and successfully 
resisted. 

But while Cassin was sustaining his end of the line, 
things were not going so well at the other end. The 
Linnet, disregarding the American gunboats entirely, 
directed her whole fire against the Eagle, and the latter 
was also exposed to part of the fire of the Confiance. 
At 10.30 Henley cut his cable, sheeted home his top- 
sails, ran down and anchored by the stern between and 
a little inshore of the Saratoga and Ticonderoga, from 
which position he opened on the Confiance with his 
port guns without being exposed to the fire of the 
frigate or the brig. But this movement exposed the 
Saratoga to the whole fire of the Linnet, for that vessel, 
after first driving off the gunboats which had been 
annoying her, sprang her broadside so as to rake her 
opponent. 



1 82 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 The American flagship was now in a critical situa- 
tion. With a broadside of only 13 guns she was under 
a focal fire from two vessels which had begun the action 
with a total of 27 guns in the broadside. She was 
without the services of her 1st lieutenant, who was ill 
on shore, and her 2nd lieutenant had been killed early 
in the fight. Macdonough himself had been working 
like a common sailor at the guns. While sighting a 
favorite piece a shot cut the spanker boom in two, and 
a portion of the heavy spar fell upon him and knocked 
him senseless to the deck, and it was some minutes 
before he recovered consciousness. A little later a 
shot took off the head of the captain of the gun and 
drove it against him with such force that he was 
knocked across the deck and fell, almost senseless, 
between two guns. Twice the ship had been set on 
fire by hot shot from the Confiance.* One by one the 
Saratoga's starboard guns had become disabled either 
by shot or by over charging. At last, on firing the only 
carronade left in the starboard battery, the navel bolt 
broke and the gun flew off the carriage and fell down 
the main hatch, leaving not a single available piece on 
that side. But Macdonough's foresight had provided 
the means for snatching victory from defeat. Letting 
go the stern anchor and cutting the bow cable, he 
winded the ship with the aid of the kedges and brought 
his port broadside to bear on the British flagship. 
The Confiance attempted to follow the example of the 
Saratoga and wind ship, but without success. Fail- 
ing in her efforts to get around and with only four guns 

* Macdonough added this statement with his own hand to the original draft of 
his report to the Secretary of the Navy. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 83 

to reply to the fresh broadside of her antagonist, she 1814 
was forced to strike about 1 1 o'clock. 

By hauling on the starboard kedge hawser the Sara- 
toga's broadside was then brought to bear on the Lin- 
net. Captain Pring had handled the brig splendidly 
and had made a gallant fight, but his only hope now lay 
in escape. The disabled state of the Linnet's masts, 
sails, rigging and yards precluded the possibility of 
getting away by cutting her cable, but he kept up a 
spirited fight against a greatly superior foe in the hope 
that some of the gunboats would come and tow him off. 
It soon became evident, however, that no help could be 
expected from that quarter as the gunboats had been 
driven half a mile or so to the east, and after keeping 
up the unequal contest for 15 minutes, the plucky- 
little brig hauled down her colors at 11.20. The Brit- 
ish gunboats, observing that the larger vessels had 
struck, got under way with their sweeps and made 
their escape. The Saratoga signalled our gunboats to 
follow them but annulled the signal almost imme- 
diately and ordered their crews to assist in saving the 
Confiance and Linnet which were in a sinking condi- 
tion. It has been stated that as the officer who took 
possession of the Confiance when the Linnet struck 
passed along the deck of the prize he accidentally fired 
one of the starboard guns by fouling the lock-string, 
whereupon the enemy's gunboats, which were lying 
about half a mile off apparently waiting to be taken 
possession of, pulled slowly away as if the discharge 
were a preconcerted signal. I think it was not. Sir 
E. P. Tache, writing in 1859 of the services of the 
detachment of the 3d battalion of Canadian militia, 



184 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 says: " Our compatriots, in three of these boats, took 
the position assigned them and kept their station firmly 
as long as they saw the English flag floating on board 
the last vessel of our squadron; but our colors being 
at last hauled down everywhere, and all then appear- 
ing to be hopelessly lost, they were able, under sweeps, 
to escape from an all powerful enemy and regain Isle 
aux Noix. I have these facts from my friends Cap- 
tain Daly himself and his brave lieutenant, Hercules 
Olivier. * * * As to the English gunboats, some of 
them fought bravely side by side with our country- 
men, but the greater number, under command of naval 
Lieutenant Rayot*, took flight at the beginning of the 
battle, which, no doubt, had a demoralizing effect on 
the spirits of the crews of our squadron." 

The action lasted two hours and twenty minutes. 
At its close Captain Pring of the Linnet, Lieutenant 
McGhie of the Chub, and Lieutenant Hicks, of the 
Finch, joined Lieutenant Robertson on the Confiance 
and the four officers proceeded to the Saratoga to make 
a formal surrender of their swords. " They were very 
fine appearing fellows and their reception by Macdon- 
ough — considering the time, place, circumstances, 
manner and sentiments expressed — was one of the 
most beautiful exhibitions of moral sublimity ever wit- 
nessed. They came under convoy guard directly from 
the flagship Confiance, and as they stepped upon the 
deck of the Saratoga they met Commodore Macdon- 
ough, who kindly bowed to them, while they, holding 
their caps in their left hands and their swords, by the 

* Lieutenant Rayot disappeared while under arrest, preparatory to his trial 
by a naval court martial, and he was dropped from the navy list. 



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Photograph of Macdonough's Despatch ro nu ; Secretary of the 

\ \\ S A.NNOT NCING l'UK VICTORY OVER THE BRITISH SQUADRON 

on Lake Champlain, September ii, 1S14 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 85 

blades, in their right, advanced toward him and, bow- 1814 
ing, presented the weapons. The Commodore bowed 
and said ' Gentlemen, return your swords into your 
scabbards and wear them. You are worthy of them.' 
And having obeyed the order, arm in arm, with their 
swords by their sides, they walked the deck of their 
conqueror." * 

Within half an hour after the Linnet struck, a gig 
from the Saratoga was sent ashore with this despatch 
to the Secretary of the Navy: 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, off Plattsburg, 

September nth, 18 14. 

Sir; The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal 

victory on Lake Champlain in the capture of one frigate, one 

brig and two sloops of war of the enemy. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obt servt, 

T. Macdonough, Com'g 
Honble W. Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 

Lieutenant Vallette was directed to remove the pris- 
oners to Crab Island as quickly as possible, to " treat 
them kindly ", and to " speak to them encouragingly." 
The Saratoga had 28 killed and 29 wounded ; the Eagle, 
13 killed and 20 wounded; the Ticonderoga, 6 killed 
and 6 wounded; the Preble, 2 killed; the gunboats ' 
Borer, 3 killed and 1 wounded ; Centipede, 1 wounded ; 
Wilmer, 1 wounded: total, 52 killed and 58 wounded. 
Among the killed were Lieutenant Peter Gamble, of 
the Saratoga, and Lieutenant John Stansbury, of the 

* Rev. H. P. Bogue, an eye-witness, to Henry B. Dawson. Compare James* 
" Naval Occurrences ", p. 411. 



l86 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 Ticonderoga. No American official report was made 
of the casualties on the British vessels. In Captain 
Pring's report to Sir James Yeo. written the day after 
the I . and admittedly incomplete, their losses were 

said to be — Confiance, 41 killed and 40 wounded; 
Linnet. 10 killed and 14 wounded ; Chub. 6 killed and 16 
wounded; Finch. 2 wounded: total, 57 killed and 72 
wounded. The number given out unofficially by Mac- 
donough is probably very nearly correct — Confiance, 
50 killed and 60 wounded; Linnet. 20 killed and 30 
wounded; the two sloops. 14 killed and 20 wounded: 
total. $4 killed and no wounded (see appendix, D). 
The English officers killed were Captain Downie, Lieu- 
tenant William Gunn, Lieutenant "William Paul, and 
Captain Alexander Anderson, of the marines. The 47 
wounded men paroled, mentioned in the American 
report, were those who had suffered seriously and who 
were sent to the British hospital at Isle aux Xoix. the 
slightly wounded being included in the 367 prisoners. 
Xo mention is anywhere made of the losses the British 
gunboats must have sustained. A general order issued 
by Adjutant General Baynes at Montreal December 1 
directs the detachment of the 3d battalion. Canadian 
militia, serving in the gunboats, to rejoin the head- 
quarters of the corps and refers to the loss of one ser- 
geant and eight soldiers killed and one lieutenant and 
two soldiers wounded in action with the enemy. This 
would account, for but a small portion of the casualties 
which must have followed the persistent attacks of the 
gunboats on the Ticonderoga. 

All the vessels suffered severely. Xot a mast in 
either squadron would bear to make sail on and the 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 187 

lower rigging, being nearly all shot away, hung down 1814 
as though just thrown over the caps. The Saratoga 
had 55 round shot in her hull. Most of the enemy's 
fire, at least from the Confiance, passed well over the 
Saratoga's deck, and at the close of the action there 
were not twenty whole hammocks in the nettings. 
The guns of the Confiance were levelled at point blank 
range, and as the quoins were loosened at each discharge 
and were not properly replaced, her guns became more 
and more elevated and their shot went over instead of 
into the Saratoga. Bad as was the condition of the 
latter, that of the Confiance was infinitely worse. Her 
spring and rudder had been shot away and her " masts, 
yards and sails so shattered that one looked like so 
many bunches of matches and the other like a bundle 
of old rags * * * and her hull like a riddle." * She 
had received over 105 round shot in her hull, many of 
them between wind and water, and was almost foun- 
dering when she struck. The outside of her was liter- 
ally covered with small shot which failed to penetrate 
her stout oak planking. Her decks, strewn with the 
dying and the dead, were 

" Red, from mainmast to bitts, 
Red, on bulwark and wale, 
Red, by combing and hatch, 
Red, o'er netting and vail." 

The Linnet, too, had been so often hulled that the 
water was nearly a foot above her lower deck at the end 
of the fight. As the Confiance and Linnet were in a 

♦Midshipman Lea, of the Confiance, to his brother (see appendix, H). 



1 88 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1814 sinking condition, men were sent at once to their pumps 
and the gunboats towed them into shallow water. 

One of the eye-witnesses of the engagement was 
Senator Phelps, of Vermont, who was then a boy living 
on his father's farm near the shore of the lake. He 
used to relate how, after the British had surrendered, 
he took a boat and pulled out to the Saratoga. When 
he climbed up on deck he found it slippery with blood 
and almost covered with the wounded and the dead. 
He saw a man walking quickly back and forth on the 
quarterdeck, his cap pulled down over his eyes and his 
face and hands almost black with powder and smoke. 
Upon asking who the man was a sailor replied, " that's 
Commodore Macdonough." 

Sad and painful duties, legacies of the day's hard 
fought battle, were yet to be performed. As soon as 
practicable the wounded of both sides were taken to the 
hospital on Crab Island where they received every care 
and attention it was possible to bestow upon them. 
The more seriously wounded of the enemy were paroled 
on the 13th and sent to the English hospital at Isle aux 
Noix. ' I have much satisfaction ", wrote Captain 
Pring to Sir James Yeo, " in making you acquainted 
with the humane treatment the wounded have received 
from Commodore Macdonough. They were imme- 
diately removed to his own hospital on Crab Island and 
were furnished with every requisite. His generous and 
polite attention also to myself, officers and men will 
ever hereafter be gratefully remembered." 

The English and American dead were buried side by 
side just south of the hospital tents, which were at the 
north end of the island, and there they lie to-day in 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 189 

unmarked graves. On the 14th the burial of the offi- 1814 
cers of the two squadrons took place with all the honors 
of war. The bodies of the American officers, covered 
with the flags of their vessels, were placed in one of the 
Saratoga's boats which then proceeded to the Con- 
fiance, followed by the American commander and his 
surviving officers, while minute guns were fired from 
the flagship. The bodies of the British officers, cov- 
ered with the flags of their own vessels, having been 
received, the procession, including the surviving Eng- 
lish officers, proceeded to the shore. There the funeral 
party was met by a large escort of infantry, artillery, 
officers of the army, and citizens. While on the way to 
the cemetery, minute guns were fired from the fort. 
Tenderly the battle scarred bodies were lowered into 
the ground, and with a farewell volley over their graves 
the brave souls were left to sleep in peace until the 
awakening on that day when there shall be neither 
wars nor rumors of wars. Later in the day Macdon- 
ough, with his own hand, wrote Major William Gamble 
of the death of his son and that he had been buried with 
military honors. A few days afterward he sent a simi- 
lar personally written letter to General T. E. Stans- 
bury informing him of the death of his son Lieutenant 
John Stansbury. 

All the prisoners who were able to bear the journey 
and had not been paroled left Plattsburg on the steam- 
boat the 15 th in charge of Captain White Youngs for 
Greenbush, N. Y., where they arrived the 22nd. Be- 
fore their departure the following letters were written 
by the officers of the Linnet and by Lieutenant Rob- 
ertson, who succeeded to the command of the Con- 
fiance when Commodore Downie fell: 



190 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 THE OFFICERS OF THE LINNET TO MACDONOUGH 

Steamboat, Sept. 15, 1S14. 
Sir; The officers of His British Majesty's Sloop Linnet cannot 
leave Plattsburg without expressing their gratitude for the 
honorable treatment they have received from Commodore 
Macdonough and the officers of the United States Ship Sara- 
toga, and hope, should any opportunity offer, to show the 
same attention to any American officers the chance of war 
may throw in their power. 

We are, sir. with the utmost respect, 

The Officers of the Linnet. 
To Commodore Macdonough, 
United States Ship Saratoga, 
off Plattsburg. 

LIEUTENANT ROBERTSON TO MACDONOUGH 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, off Plattsburg, 
15th Sept., 1814. 

Sir; I am requested by the surviving officers of H. M. 
late Ship Confiance to express to you how sensibly they feel 
indebted to your unbounded liberality and humane attention 
not only extended to themselves but to the unfortunate 
wounded seamen and marines, whose sufferings have been 
alleviated to the utmost that circumstances would permit. 

Accept, sir, this testimony of our gratitude and esteem, and 
believe that we will ever have the feelings of British officers 
on the occasion. 

We further beg leave to request that you will be pleased to 
intimate to Lt. Cassin and the other officers under your com- 
mand that we feel as we accept their kind anticipation of all 
our wishes, and that should the chance of war ever give us an 
opportunity of making a return, how proud we should be of 
bearing personal testimony to their marked kindness and 
politeness. 

I have the honor to be, sir, with esteem and gratitude, your 

most obedient, humble servant, 

James Robertson, 

late 1st Lt. H. M. S. Confiance. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 191 

In this action the American gunboats apparently 1814 
behaved somewhat unequally, for in the hottest part 
of the fight orders had to be sent to some of them to 
obey the signal for close action. They had, as was 
usually the case, no influence on the result. Of the 
action of the Preble's commander in quitting his station 
and saving his vessel by taking her inshore the Commo- 
dore said: " Lt. Budd acted with propriety in getting 
under way with the Preble. He would otherwise have 
been boarded by the enemy's galleys." Lieutenant 
Cassin fought the Ticonderoga nobly, and had he not 
kept the enemy's gunboats from getting at the Sara- 
toga the result of the battle might have been reversed. 

The Eagle was well fought but there is some question 
as to whether her commander was justified in shifting 
his position. Macdonough was most decidedly of the 
opinion that he ought not to have done so — that the 
Eagle did not suffer severely enough to warrant Henley 
in giving way and exposing the Saratoga to the Lin- 
net's fire. To quote the Commodore's own words: 
" Her list of killed and wounded would show what ne- 
cessity she was under to change her station, and even 
that evidence of her disability was made up of the 
names of wounded men, in part, who had only been so 
scratched or slightly hurt as not to merit the name of 
wounded." 

It is a fact that Henley reported 27 wounded, " most 
of them severely ' ' he wrote the Secretary of the Navy ; 
that this number was reduced to 20 in Macdonough's 
report; that only 11 of these 20 were hospital cases; 
and that Surgeon Briggs, under instructions from 
Macdonough, examined the remaining 9 men, who were 



192 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 not removed from the Eagle, and found that with one 
exception (Andrew McEwen) their injuries were so 
slight as hardly to merit the name of wounds.* Includ- 
ing McEwen in the hospital cases, we have 12 men who 
may fairly be classed as wounded, practically the same 
proportion to the killed as reported by the other vessels. 
Macdonough's criticism justifies the conclusion that the 
Eagle's condition was not nearly as bad as represented 
by her commander in his extraordinary report to the 
Secretary of the Navy (see appendix, C) . Commenting 
on this report Macdonough wrote : " I am really very 
much surprised at the conduct of Lt. Henley. His 
statement is unquestionably very erroneous and will, I 
fear, ultimately be injurious to himself. He is assuredly 
wanting in magnanimity in detracting from the merits of 
his brother officers by giving his vessel a greater share 
than she is entitled to. I consider Lt. Henley person- 
ally a brave man and he had brave officers and men 
with him, yet he did not fight the whole of the battle 
and previous to his leaving the lake he expressed him- 
self satisfied with what I said of his vessel in my letter 
to the Department and it is in substance and nearly 
in the words of his report to me of the services of his 
vessel." f 

In his report the American commander gave Henley's 
reason for leaving his position in the line, namely, 

* "Actg Lt. William A. Spencer, slight wound of the cheek; Francis T. 
Breese, slight wound of the hand; Joseph Valentine, slight wound muscular part 
leg; Andrew McEwen, right leg fractured; Matthew Scriver, slight wound right 
shoulder; John McKenny, slightly wounded, hardly perceptible; Robert Buckley, 
slight wound in the breast; John Hartley, slightly wounded right leg and arm; 
James Dervick, slight wound of the cheek." — Surgeon Briggs' report to Mac- 
donough. 

t Macdonough (U. S. Brig Eagle, off Plattsburg) to the Hon. Elisha Winter, 
M. C, October 9. 1814. 




Thk Obverse and Reverse of the Gold Medal Fresexted 
by Congress to Commodore Macdonough 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 1 93 

/ 

because he could not bring his guns to bear. As the 1814 
Commodore was clearly of the opinion that the condi- 
tion of the Eagle's crew did not justify her change of 
station, it must be inferred, as a corollary, that he also 
thought Henley could have found means to bring his 
guns to bear had he kept the position assigned him. 

The rewards bestowed upon the victor by his grate- 
ful and admiring countrymen were numerous and sub- 
stantial. He was promoted November 18 from master 
commandant to captain, to rank from September 11 , 
1 81 4. Congress adopted a resolution thanking him 
for his services and presented him with a gold medal 
commemorative of the event (see appendix, L) . From 
Vermont, which witnessed so large a portion of his 
labors, he received one hundred acres of land on Cum- 
berland Head overlooking the scene of the engagement ; 
from New York, which he so signally served, a sword 
and one thousand acres of land in Cayuga county; 
from Connecticut, his adopted state, a pair of gold 
mounted pistols; and from Delaware, his native state, 
a sword and a service of silver. The city of Lansing- 
burgh gave him a silver pitcher and goblets ; Albany, 
the freedom of the city in a gold box and a lot on 
Washington Square; and New York, the freedom of 
the city in a gold box. Delaware and the city of New 
York also requested him to sit for his portrait.* The 
New York State Society of the Cincinnati elected him 
an honorary member, and the invitations to public 
dinners were almost without number. The Secretary 
of the Navy made the following reply to the despatch 
announcing the victory : 

* The portrait in the City Hall, New York, was painted by Jarvis in November, 
1817. 



104 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS ICACDONOUGH 

1814 Navy Department. Sept. 19th. 1S14. 

Thomas Mac \ >ugh, Eso.. 

Commanding the U. S. Naval Force on La am- 

FLAIN", PLATTSBURG. 

5 • : With the highest gratification which noble deeds can 
inspire, I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the nth 
in> tnouncing the glorious' h your skill and 

valor, aided by the intrepidity and discipline of your gallant 
. s. had achieved over a confide:: rous and power- 

'. foe. Our lakes, hitherto the ts only of narural cv. - 

osi shall ' the pag Eutui histor th the bright 

annals of . untry's fame and the imperishable renown of 

our naval h< c e s 

Tis no: .. illiancy of your ■• in a naval view, 

buti:- rtanoc results that will fix 1 en- 

q and command I try. 

Acct : Ear ass iranct high res ect and warm 

sident . ' ' S which I am < 
3 : and my sin< 
Vt - . 1 :: . ..v bedient s int, 

W. J 01 - 

Arc lg the < I ry let:, rs 1 - ived v - 

m Captain Bay g< who wrote: " Receive. 

mv grallanl . much admired frieii Pelt 

congr ble vid \ I was an 

.: t meet the enemy. : suit E which I never 

fe inks I tbat God wh gi rds us ii: 

to - linthei st allele Islaugh- 

r! Your victory lin will be a I ight ra - 

km Qt in our naval his 

will scend our children with adnv □ for : 

h< that L ke. When you have leisi e me 

u. May you long live 
f< 5 s - prayei 

: . Wm, Bainbridge." 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 195 

His gallant associates whose efforts contributed so 1814 
largely to the result were not overlooked in the distri- 
bution of honors. " The officers, petty officers, sea- 
men, marines, and infantry serving as marines " shared 
in the vote of thanks passed by Congress ; gold medals 
were presented to Master Commandant Robert Henley 
and Lieutenant Stephen Cassin, silver medals to the 
other commissioned officers of the navy and army serv- 
ing in the squadron and to the nearest male relatives 
of Lieutenant Peter Gamble and Lieutenant John 
Stansbury, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and 
sailing masters ; and three months' extra pay was al- 
lowed the petty officers, seamen, marines, and infantry 
serving as marines (see appendix, L). Master Com- 
mandant Henley was made a captain in 1825. Lieu- 
tenant Cassin, who had served with Macdonough under 
Preble in the Mediterranean, was commissioned master 
commandant to rank from September 11, 181 4, and 
died a captain ; Lieutenant Budd died before being pro- 
moted ; Lieutenant Smith, Acting Lieutenant Vallette, 
Midshipman Breese and Midshipman Paulding all 
reached the grade of rear admiral, and Midshipman 
Graham that of commodore; Acting Lieutenant 
Spencer resigned while a captain, and Midshipman 
Piatt died a master commandant. 

Of the battle Cooper writes: " The country generally 
placed the victory by the side of that of Lake Erie. In 
the navy, which is better qualified to enter into just 
estimates of force and all the other circumstances that 
enhance the merits of nautical exploits, the battle of 
Plattsburg Bay is justly ranked among the very high- 
est of its claims to glory." Roosevelt says: " Mac- 



196 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1814 donough in this battle won a higher fame than any 
other commander of the war, British or American. He 
had a decidedly superior force to contend against, the 
officers and men of the two sides being about on a par 
in even- respect; and it was solely owing to his fore- 
sight and resource that we won the victory. He forced 
the British to engage at a disadvantage by his excel- 
lent choice of position ; and he prepared beforehand 
for even* possible contingency. His personal prowess 
had already been shown at the cost of the rovers of 
Tripoli, and in this action he helped fight the guns as 
ably as the best sailor. His skill, seamanship, quick 
eye, readiness of resource, and indomitable pluck, are 
beyond all praise." Commander Ward, U. S. X., in 
his " Manual of Naval Tactics ". cites the action as an 
' example of foresight and accurate reasoning in prepa- 
ration for the battle, as well as of undaunted per- 
severance, gallantry, and skill in conducting it to a 
successful issue", and adds: ' Whilst the preparations 
and conduct of the defense, as far as depending on the 
American commander, were unexceptionable, wholly 
beyond criticism, the attack seems likewise to have 
been in the main faultless, both in its conception and 
execution. True, the English advanced head on to 
their enemy, and in doing so suffered severely, perhaps 
fatally. But that was made inevi table by the Ameri- 
can defense and the natural circumstances of the case, 
and as was intended, went far towards compensating 
for disparity of force. * * * The careful student will 
find in history no general action fought at anchor 
more instructive, therefore more worthy of his atten- 
tive notice, close study indeed, than this, viewed in 











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LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 197 

whatever aspect — whether in reference to the attack 1814 
or the defense, the personal or the material, skill or 
science, gunnery or seamanship, or as furnishing ex- 
amples, in most of these respects, of warning as well as 
for imitation." Captain A. T. Mahan, U. S. N., in the 
work which has already been referred to, is of the opin- 
ion that " the battle of Lake Champlain, more nearly 
than any other incident of the War of 181 2, merits the 
word ' decisive ' " — decisive not merely in relation to 
immediate military results but in relation to political 
questions involved in the pending negotiations for peace. 

When Sir James Lucas Yeo forwarded to London 
September 24 Captain Pring's report of the 12th, he 
intimated that Sir George Prevost was responsible for 
the loss of the British squadron because he hurried 
Downie into action before the latter was ready, and be- 
cause he failed to take the American works at Platts- 
burg and drive the American vessels out of the bay, 
thereby compelling Downie to enter the bay and en- 
gage at a disadvantage (see appendix, E) . The verdict 
of the court martial held on Captain Pring and the 
other commanding officers (see appendix, F) contained 
such strictures on Prevost 's conduct that he insisted 
that Yeo should be required to present his charges for- 
mally to give an opportunity for a formal reply. The 
charges, four in number (see appendix, G), were issued 
from the Horse Guards September 13, 181 5, and a gen- 
eral court martial ordered for January 12, 1816, but 
Prevost died a week before that date. 

On the 23 rd of September a dinner was given by the 
citizens of Plattsburg in Macdonough's honor which 
was attended by his officers, General Macomb, and the 



198 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOKOUGH 

1814 officers of the army. The toasts were numerous and 
naturally complimentary to the army, navy and militia 
and their representatives. When Macdonough was 
called upon he arose and with chivalrous courtesy to a 
fallen foe proposed the toast — " The memory of Com- 
modore Downie, our brave enemy." 



CHAPTER XII 
1814-1815 

Prevost's retreat — Most of the American squadron sent to Whitehall — 
Macdonough obtains permission to leave the lake — Turns over command of the 
squadron to Lieutenant Budd — Macdonough 's work on Lake Champ lain — 
Farewell letter from officers of the squadron — His reply — Letters to De Witt 
Clinton, Governor Tompkins and Governor Chittenden — Presented with the 
freedom of the city of Albany — Arrives at Middletown — Naval ball in his honor — 
Ordered to the steam frigate Fulton First at New York — Made a freeman of the 
city of New York. 

When the naval action began Prevost's assaulting 1814 
columns were put in motion and his batteries opened 
on the American works. Just as a small portion of his 
force effected a crossing at the upper ford the result of 
the battle in the bay became known on both sides. 
Downie's defeat was a serious matter for Prevost. 
" This unlooked for event ", he wrote to Earl Bathurst, 
" depriving me of the co-operation of the fleet, without 
which the further prosecution of the service was be- 
come impracticable, I did not hesitate to arrest the 
course of the troops advancing to the attack because 
the most complete success would have been unavailing, 
and the possession of the enemy's works offered no ad- 
vantage to compensate for the loss we must have sus- 
tained in acquiring possession of them." He drew in 
his assaulting columns at once, but kept his batteries 
playing upon Macomb's works until nightfall. At 
three o'clock in the afternoon he sent a note to Mac- 
donough asking to be informed of the loss sustained by 
the British vessels. During the night of the nth and 

199 



200 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 the early morning of the 12th he withdrew his entire 
force, leaving behind his sick and wounded, consigned 
to General Macomb's humanity, and an immense quan- 
tity of stores of all kinds. 

While the immediate result of the naval victory v - 
the frustrati n of Prevost's plan to invade New York, 
it also had, c I with Perry's su< : . ss on Lake Erie, 

an important bearing upon the negotiations for pej.ee. 
During the rest of I - ason the squadron made its 
headquarters in Plattsburg Bay. where the necessary 
repairs were made to its own and the captured British 
vessels. A close watch was kept upon the mouth of 
the Richelieu River, but none of the gunboats which 
fled to Isle aux Xoix ventured across the line. By the 
end of September the Conriance was repaired and 
I and ready for service under a new flag. There 
being no longer anv necessity for retaining the whole 
force -. active duty, the vessels were gradually sent to 
the head of the lake where it was intended to lay them 
up for the winter. On October 2 the Saratoga, Con- 
fiance, Linnet and Tieonderoga left Plattsburg for 
Whitehall, and as they passed Burlington the flagship 
the town, the last gun. probably, she ever tired. 
Macdonough now took command of the Eagle and kept 
her for rive weeks. I nder instructions from the Navy 
Department between 250 and 500 men wer tached 
from the Lake Champlain station and sent t 3 kett's 
Harbor. 

In the latter part of October Maedonough went to 
Whitehall to make arrangements for laying the squa - 
ron up. The temporary naval h s] tal on C is- 

land, rudely constructed of I ar sand a as ared 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 201 

no protection against the increasing cold of the early 1814 
northern Autumn, and he had already removed the 
sick and wounded to comfortable quarters at Burling- 
ton under charge of Surgeon William Caton, Jr. Early 
in November the Eagle and one or two other vessels 
went down to Chazy and recovered almost six tons of 
8-inch shells which the enemy had thrown into the 
lake. A British transport sloop which had gone down 
off Isle la Motte was also raised and was found to be 
loaded with a large quantity of stores and munitions 
of war. The Eagle returned to Plattsburg the 9th 
and found the following communication from the Navy 
Department: 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO MACDONOUGH 

Navy Department, October 30th, 1814. 

Sir; Your desire to report yourself at this Department 
for the purpose of settling your accounts is assented to with 
great pleasure, as well on account of the propriety of the motive 
as the gratification it will afford to the government and your 
fellow citizens of this place to testify to you personally the 
high sense they entertain of your valuable services. 

You will therefore leave the squadron in charge of the officer 
next in rank, until a senior shall be selected for the command, 
and give to him such orders as you shall deem necessary for the 
protection of the lake and the security of the squadron against 
any possible enterprise until the season shall arrive for plac- 
ing them in winter quarters, for which also you will give the 
proper directions. 

After you shall have closed your accounts with the squad- 
ron, you will instruct the officer in command not to enter into 
any new contracts or engagements, or to draw any bills on the 
agent at New York, but to make either directly or through the 
purser such requisitions on the agent as the service may require. 

You will prepare and bring with you a particular statement 



202 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 of the dimensions, armament, equipment, stores &c. of the 
captured vessels, and a particular account of their state and 
condition, including an estimate of their fair equitable value 
with everything attached to them when captured, and the 
expenditure it may require to repair and fit them for service. 
It will also be proper to proceed against them by libel in the 
district court of the U. States for New York. 

I am very respectfully, &c, 

W. Jones. 

The next day Macdonough turned over the com- 
mand of the squadron to Lieutenant Charles A. Budd 
with these explicit instructions: 

MACDONOUGH TO LIEUTENANT BUDD 

U. S. Brig Eagle, Plattsburg Bay, 
Nov. 10th, 1814. 

Sir; Agreeably to an order from the Hon. Secretary of 
the Navy to me dated 30th October, 18 14, you will take com- 
mand of the U. S. squadron on Lake Champlain. You will be 
particularly careful to guard against any enterprise of the 
enemy at all times (but more especially should there be a ne- 
cessity for your going to the northward of this place) , vigilant 
in watching the movements of the enemy on the lake that he 
does not capture or injure in any manner the public property, 
the citizens, or their property, to prevent which your force is 
amply sufficient. Do not be induced by any show of the 
enemy to get you beyond Point au Fer, or any wish or request 
of the commanding officer of our land forces. The navigation 
of that water and your full knowledge of it will, I trust, be 
sufficient to prevent your going there unless there should be 
a land force of ours superior to that of the enemy acting in con- 
cert with you. 

The time will arrive in the course of a few days to lay the 
squadron up for the winter as the season is far advanced, the 
men suffering considerably from the severity of the weather, 
and the enemy at present evincing to my knowledge no inten- 
tion to come out from his stronghold with his galleys, the only 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 203 

naval force he at present possesses. You will, however, advise 1814 
with the commanding general on the expediency of your going 
before you go. It is absolutely necessary, however, that you 
get to Whitehall before the ice makes, as you will there have 
all the vessels together and farthest from the enemy's land 
forces during the winter. 

When at Whitehall the vessels must be moored so as to 
bring the guns to bear on any point, the greatest number on 
that point from whence an attack would most likely be made. 
Correspond frequently with the commanding general, who 
will inform you of the movements of the enemy and give you 
information should his object be the destruction of the vessels, 
of which you will immediately inform the Hon. Secretary of 
the Navy and take measures to repel or defeat such an attempt. 
It will be well, when you arrive, to raise two or three three- 
gun batteries in advance of each other, all in advance of the 
squadron, on some eligible point bearing on the lake in case 
the enemy comes on the ice, and either entrench or strongly 
barricade a small island called Craft's Island immediately 
where the vessels will lie with a hundred or two of men to hold 
it, with shelter for the men, and to have cannon on it. On 
the first correct intelligence of such an attempt of the enemy, 
viz., to destroy the vessels, you will require without loss of 
time the aid of the surrounding militia and advise without fail 
the government of it. Do not depend solely on the command- 
ing general for information of the enemy's motions but be 
vigilant in your own enquiries from every source from which 
you would likely obtain it. 

It is the order of the government that you enter into no 
contracts for the squadron but make your requisitions on the 
navy agent at New York directly or through the purser as the 
service may require, and draw no bills on the navy agent at 
New York. 

It will require your personal attention as well as the con- 
stant vigilance of all your officers to keep the vessels in order 
as to their powder, sails, etc., having sentinels and a regular 
watch kept to guard against any articles being taken away; 
and I cannot impress too strongly on your mind the great 



204 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 8 14 necessity of guarding against incendiaries. To destro} 7- these 
vessels is admitted to be the first and greatest wish of the 
enemy on this frontier, to effect which means will, I do not 
doubt, be taken to attempt to burn them by offering a large 
reward to probably some of our own citizens and most likely 
those who may, by their intimacy with the officers or men, 
be the least suspicious. 

It will also require your vigilance personally to keep the 
men regular in their habits, to prevent fatal consequences by 
intoxication in this cold climate, and to prevent abtise or mal- 
treating of the citizens in any manner. It will be well to 
adopt the method which was adopted last winter at Vergennes 
of making the aggressor pay for any injury done to a citizen 
and assessing such injury by theft among the men of the vessel 
by whom the theft was committed if the person cannot be 
found who committed it, or among the whole of the men 
should the particular vessel not be known. 

The prevention of injury in any manner by the enemy on 
the lake, a hearty co-operation with the land forces, and 
guarding against any attempts or enterprises of the enemy 
will be the objects of your first and immediate attention until 
you lay up for the winter. Then the safety of the vessels in 
guarding against fire as before said of citizens and the regular- 
ity and good order of the vessels, officers and men will be the 
objects of your immediate care and attention. 

Respectfully I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

T. Macdonough. 
Lt. Commandant Charles A. Budd. 

On November 1 2 Macdonough advised the Secretary 
of the Navy that he had formally relinquished the com- 
mand of the squadron. to Lieutenant Budd but that he 
would remain on the lake until it went into winter 
quarters. On the 18th he went to Whitehall, where 
all the vessels except the Eagle and some of the gun- 
boats had been assembled, and took up his quarters 
on the Connance. Lieutenant Budd soon arrived with 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 205 

the brig and remaining gunboats. None of these 1814 
vessels, except the gunboat Allen, was ever put in 
commission again. Peace was declared before their 
services were required. After the war they were 
dismantled and captors and captured sold to the 
highest bidder. 

Macdonough's work on Lake Champlain was now 
completed. Although he was ordered there again the 
following year, peace was declared before active opera- 
tions were undertaken by either side. Except from 
June 3 to September 8, 1813, and from the breaking up 
of the ice to May 27, 181 4, about seven weeks in all, 
he had been master of the lake. For two years he 
had labored unceasingly, persevering in the face of 
every discouragement, undismayed by temporary re- 
verses, overcoming every obstacle, patient, resolute, 
resourceful. His labors were crowned with a victory 
as brilliant as it was decisive. During these two years 
the army on the Champlain frontier was commanded 
successively by Generals Bloomfield, Hampton, Wil- 
kinson, Izard and Macomb. The necessity of co- 
operation between the land and naval forces brought 
their commanders into close touch, and while Mac- 
donough's official relations with the army officers were 
such as the situation demanded they were supple- 
mented, in the case of Macomb, by warm personal 
friendship. They were both young men, vigorous and 
ambitious. Each freely rendered the other the de- 
sired assistance and support as friend to friend, and 
they worked in perfect harmony with a common pur- 
pose. It is worth noting that both our great lake 
victories were won by young men. Perry was only 



206 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 twenty -eight when he fought the battle of Lake Erie 
and Macdonough was but thirty when he defeated the 
British squadron on Lake Champlain. When we re- 
flect upon the circumstances under which our lake 
commanders created and fought their inland navies — 
the distance from the points of supply; the difficulty 
in transporting men, munitions of war and naval 
stores; the impossibility of securing enough seamen; 
the enforced employment of soldiers in place of sailors ; 
the severity of the climate and the hardships peculiar 
to the lake service — the wonder is, not that they 
accomplished so much but that they accomplished 
anything. 

While it is true that, with the exception of the events 
in the latter part of 181 4, the operations on Lake 
Champlain were not as important nor of such magni- 
tude as those on some of the other lakes, nevertheless 
it was the purpose of the government at all periods of 
the war to control its waters. The tenor of the De- 
partment's order to Macdonough of September 28, 
181 2, to proceed to Lake Champlain without a 
moment's delay; his instructions of June 17, 1813, not 
to permit the enemy to gain the ascendency on any 
account; the explanation given on January 28, 1814, 
that the object of certain orders was to leave no doubt 
of his commanding the lake and the waters connected 
therewith; the order of February 22, 1814, directing 
him to shape his plans so as to meet the force and prep- 
arations of the enemy with decisive effect — all these 
are indications that the naval supremacy on Lake 
Champlain was considered of sufficient importance at 
all times to justify any measures necessary to secure 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 207 

and retain it. This was the work Macdonough was 1814 
given to do — and did. 

The day after turning over the command of the 
squadron to Lieutenant Budd the Commodore received 
the following touching letter from his brother officers: 

OFFICERS OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN SQUADRON TO 

MACDONOUGH 

U. S. Flotilla, Lake Champlain, 
nth November, 1814. 
Thomas Macdonough, Esqr., 

Sir; It is with the greatest sensibility we have learned 
our country has called you from a station where your inde- 
fatigable exertions have given to the American name one of 
the brightest lustres that encircle the infant navy of our 
country. There are none better able of judging your priva- 
tions than those who have been eye-witnesses to your patient 
endurance of the many obstacles so incident to the creation 
of the means of defense in a country where mechanical assist- 
ance and naval supplies offered in their application a phe- 
nomenon to the surrounding citizens of Champlain. 

Though the feelings of our hearts announce to us that 
your services require a respite from the arduous duties which 
have for nearly three years unremittingly engaged you, yet 
it is with the most poignant regret we view this separation. 
Whether as losing our commander, our preceptor, our exam- 
ple, or our friend, all, all leave a void which we doubt never 
can be filled. Your country, who must know your worth, 
will duly appreciate it. May its rewards be equal to those 
merits which we admire and reverence; may you in the en- 
dearment of your family and in the bosom of your fellow 
citizens enjoy those blessings which the God of mercy has 
assured to the truly good and virtuous is the most fervent 
wish of our hearts. 



208 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 With the highest regard we are, esteemed sir, 

Your obedt servants 

Chas. A. Budd N. L. Montgomery 

M. Maury Chas. T. Platt 

E. A. F. Vallette Frank Ellery 

Geo. Beale, Jr. H. Paulding 

W. Youngs James M. Baldwin 

W. M. Robins Wm. Boden 

Saml Keteltas Joshua H. Justin 

J. Loomis W. M. Slocum 

D. V. Hazard Joseph L. Cannon 

Philip Brum Stephen L. Clark 

Joseph Lindsay L. G. Crary 

T. P. Briggs Samuel Winslow 

Wm. B. Howell Stephen Holland 
Thomas Macdonough, Esqr., 

(Late) Commanding Naval Force, Lake Champlain. 

To this letter he replied as follows : 

MACDONOUGH TO OFFICERS OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN 

SQUADRON 

U. S. Brig Eagle, Plattsburg, Nov. 15, 1814. 
Gentlemen; I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter of the nth inst. Among the many evidences 
of approbation of my countrymen I assure you that a similar 
sentiment of the officers attached to the squadron which I had 
the honor to command is received with great pleasure and 
satisfaction. The harmony and unanimity which universally 
prevailed in the squadron formed one of its most efficient 
points; and permit me to return you my sincere thanks for 
your zeal and steady deportment in your several stations and 
through your individual exertions to congratulate you on the 
fortunate issue of our lake services. 

Very respectfully your mo. obdt servt, 

T. Macdonough. 
To the Officers of the Squadron 
on Lake Champlain. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 209 

On Tuesday, September 27, Macdonough and Gen- 1814 
eral Macomb, with their officers, attended a public 
dinner given in the former's honor at Burlington. 
Macdonough's toast on this occasion was: " Commo- 
dore Chauncey. May his country soon be gratified 
with the first wish of his heart — a meeting with Sir 
James Yeo." On the 28th of September DeWitt Clin- 
ton, mayor of New York, forwarded the resolutions of 
the common council, to which the Commodore replied : 
' I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of the 28th ultimo conveying to me the resolu- 
tions of the honorable the corporation of the city of 
New York. To meet the approbation of my country 
has always been my greatest ambition, and this dis- 
tinguished honor conferred on me by your honorable 
corporation is received with feelings of peculiar pride 
and gratification. Permit me to return you my warm- 
est thanks for the friendly expressions contained in 
your letter." 

To Governor Tompkins he wrote November 20: 
' ' I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your Ex- 
cellency's letters of the 4th and 5th inst. transmitting 
the resolutions of the honorable the legislature of the 
state of New York, also an extract from a law from the 
same state for the presentation to me of a grant of 
land in the town of Sterling, county of Cayuga. This 
act, of such distinguished honor to an individual for 
only performing his duty to his country and munificent 
in raising him to a state of independence, fully receives 
my most sincere thanks replete with feelings of lasting 
gratitude. In procuring the sword I beg your Excel- 
lency will consult your own convenience. Accept, I 



2IO LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1814 beg you, sir, my warmest acknowledgments for the 
flattering manner in which you have always been 
pleased to express yourself of my services." 

On the same date he wrote to Governor Chittenden : 
" I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of the 12th inst. enclosing the resolutions of 
the honorable legislature of the state of Vermont. I 
cannot, sir, but feel that my humble services on this 
frontier have been greatly overrated. Permit me, how- 
ever, to make my only return by expressing my grati- 
tude for so munificent and honorary a mark of the 
approbation of a patriotic people, and I beg your. Ex- 
cellency to accept my sincere thanks for the very 
friendly sentiments accompanying the resolutions." 

The Commodore left Whitehall early in December for 
his home in Middletown. He stopped at Troy, where 
he was the guest of honor at a dinner, and Monday 
morning the 5 th went on to Albany. He was met at 
the " three mile house " by the common council and 
a number of citizens who escorted him to the capitol, 
where he was welcomed by a national salute. The 
mayor then presented him with the freedom of the city 
in a gold box and the deed to a city lot. The presen- 
tation was accompanied by an appropriate address, to 
which the Commodore replied: " The freedom of the 
city of Albany which you, in behalf of the honorable 
the corporation, have been pleased to confer on me, 
and the presentation of a deed of a lot of ground on the 
Washington Square, as testimonials of your approbation 
of my late services, are received with feelings of the 
highest gratification and pride. It is, sir, in a very 
great degree through the individual exertions and con- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 211 

duct of my brave companions in arms, under divine 1814 
providence, that I, within the walls of the capitol of 
the most important state in the Union, thus receive 
these distinguished honors of my countrymen. I trust 
I shall be ever mindful of them and that my future life 
will be devoted to the faithful discharge of my duty to 
my country." 

At four o'clock the same afternoon a dinner was 
given to the Commodore at Skinner's Tontine Coffee 
House, the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer presiding. 
Macdonough proposed the toast : ' His Excellency the 
governor, the legislature of the state of New York, and 
the honorable the mayor and corporation of the city 
of Albany. Their magnanimity and munificence are 
characteristic of a rich and powerful state. Thrice 
happy the man whom they delight to honor." To 
which the president responded: "Commodore Mac- 
donough, the hero of Lake Champlain. For us he 
fought, for us he conquered, and by his victory insured 
our safety." The following evening he attended a 
naval ball given in his honor at the Eagle tavern, at 
which Commodore Chauncey, General Winder and 
many other prominent persons were present. The ball 
" was very numerously attended ", said an Albany 
paper, " and the display of beauty, elegance and taste 
never before excelled in this city." A display of fire- 
works ended the festivities. 

From Albany the Commodore proceeded to Middle- 
town, where he arrived Saturday the 10th, happy to be 
again with his family and friends if only for a brief 
period. " Every countenance beams with joy at the 
return of the hero and every heart bids him welcome." 



212 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 8 14 In honor of his home coming a naval ball was given at 
the Washington Hotel "Wednesday, December 21. ' For 
numbers and respectability ", the Middletown Spec- 
tator said of the ball, " it has never been equalled in 
this place. There was an uncommonly numerous 
assemblage from this and other towns, consisting of 
about one hundred and eighty ladies and gentlemen. 
The judges of the supreme court, in session here, were 
present as guests, and the general attendance of the 
Fair offered a brilliant display of beauty, elegance and 
taste. In addition to the music customary on these 
occasions, a band of military music from Chatham 
politely volunteered their gratuitous services and by 
their excellent performance added much to the pleas- 
ure of the scene. The large dancing hall of the hotel 
was decorated with the different American naval flags, 
some of which were suspended from the walls and others 
were tastefully arranged as curtains to the windows, 
bordered with evergreens and hung in flowing festoons. 
Wreaths and crowns of laurel &c. were handsomely 
disposed as ornaments in different parts of the room, 
and the entrance door was surmounted by a triumphal 
arch of evergreens and laurel. Two handsome trans- 
parent paintings at opposite sides of the apartment 
represented appropriate naval trophies and the action 
on Lake Champlain. The supper was prepared in a 
superior style suitable to the occasion and did much 
credit to Mrs. Arnot, who provided it. At the head of 
the supper table the American ensign floated over the 
head of him who had nobly sustained its honour. In 
the centre of the table a beautiful glass ship of twenty- 
six guns, called the Saratoga, rode majestically upon 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 213 

the blue wave. Above it was seen a gilded figure 1814 
of the cock, which, on board that vessel, crowed 
undauntedly throughout the action. The whole table 
was arranged in a manner calculated to gratify both the 
epicure and the admirer of elegant decorations. In 
point of taste and appropriate effect the ball and supper 
rooms would not have been unworthy of one of the first 
cities of the Union. The presence of Commodore Mac- 
donough and his lady produced universal satisfaction, 
and the countenances of his friends and townsmen 
expressed the liveliest joy with which they at the 
same time gave a tribute of affection to their modest, 
estimable fellow citizen and their homage of respect 
to the illustrious defender of his country." 

During the year the British had maintained an 
incessant blockade of the American coast, with particu- 
larly heavy forces off New London and in Chesapeake 
Bay. The losses at sea were pretty evenly divided. 
The frigate Constitution, Captain Charles Stewart, cap- 
tured the schooner Pictou, February 14; the frigate 
Essex, Captain David Porter, was compelled to strike 
to the British frigate Phoebe, Captain Hilyar, and the 
corvette Cherub, Captain Tucker, March 28 ; the Ameri- 
can sloop of war Frolic, Master Commandant Joseph 
Bainbridge, was taken by the frigate Orpheus, Captain 
Pigot, and the schooner Shelburne, Lieutenant Hope, 
April 20; the sloop of war Peacock, Master Comman- 
dant Lewis Warrington, captured the British brig Eper- 
vier, Captain Wales, April 29; the United States brig 
Rattlesnake, Lieutenant James Renshaw, surrendered 
to the frigate Leander, Captain Collier, June 22; the 
sloop of war Wasp, Master Commandant Johnston 



214 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1814 Blakely, took the British brig Reindeer, Captain Man- 
ners, June 28; the American brig Syren, Lieutenant 
Nicholson, was captured by the frigate Medway, Cap- 
tain Brine, July 12 ; and the British brig Avon, Captain 
Arbuthnot, was sunk by the Wasp, Master Comman- 
dant Blakely, September 1. We also lost the frigate 
Adams, which was burned at Hampden, on the 
Penobscot River, September 3, to prevent her falling 
into the hands of the enemy. No decisive action had 
occurred between the forces of Commodores Chauncey 
and Yeo on Lake Ontario, and the control of Lake 
Erie and the upper lakes remained in our hands. 

It will be remembered that the act of January 2, 
1 813, authorized the construction of four 74-gun ships. 
Two of these vessels, the Independence and the Wash- 
ington, were launched at Portsmouth, N. H., and Bos- 
ton respectively during this year. 

Toward the end of December the Commodore pro- 
ceeded to New York to take command of the Fulton 
First agreeably to an order of November 30. The 
Fulton First was a steam vessel of 2,475 "t° ns burden, 
measured 150 feet in length and 56 feet beam, with a 
depth of 20 feet. She mounted 30 guns and could 
throw hot water as well as shot. Her hull, engines 
and boilers were designed by Robert Fulton, and she 
was built by A. & N. Brown. Her construction (under 
the name of a " floating battery ") was authorized 
March 9, 181 4, work was begun on her June 20, and 
she was launched at Corlear's Hook, New York, Octo- 
ber 29. Although she was not yet ready for service 
and did not make her trial trip until June, 181 5, Mac- 
donough enjoyed the unique distinction of being the 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 215 

first commander of the first steam vessel of war in the 1814 
history of the world. The Fulton First met an un- 
timely fate. She blew up in 1829 while in use as a 
receiving ship, killing and wounding nearly one hun- 
dred persons. I have thought it worth while to insert 
a copy of the Navy Department's order of Novem- 
ber 30 because it was the first order ever issued in any 
navy for an officer to command a steam war vessel. 

Navy Department, 

November 30, 18 14. 
Sir; You will immediately proceed to New York and assume 
the command of the steam floating battery Fulton the First. 
I am very respectfully &c. 

W. Jones. 
Capt. Thos. Macdonough 

Lake Champlain. 

The common council took advantage of the Com- 18 15 
modore's presence in New York to present him, on 
January 6, with the freedom of the city. A special 
meeting was held at one o'clock in the council chamber, 
but the immense crowd which assembled to witness the 
ceremony necessitated an adjournment to the large 
court room. After being introduced to the council by a 
committee of aldermen, the Commodore was addressed 
by Mayor De Witt Clinton in the following words: 
1 ' When our northern frontier was invaded by a power- 
ful army, when the heroes who have immortalized 
themselves on the Niagara were pressed by a superior 
force, when the capital of the nation was overrun by hos- 
tile bands, when the most important city of the south 
was attacked by the enemy, and when he threatened 
to lay waste our maritime towns with fire and sword — 



2l6 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1815 at a period so inauspicious and gloomy, when all but 
those who fully understand and duly appreciate the 
firmness and resources of the American character began 
to despair of the Republic, you were the first who 
changed the fortune of our arms and who dispelled 
the dark cloud that hung over our country. With a 
force greatly inferior you met the enemy, vaunting of 
his superior strength and confident of victory, yon 
crushed his proud expectations, you conquered him; 
and the embattled hosts which were ready to pene- 
trate into the heart of our country fled in dismay and 
confusion. In discharging the great duties which you 
owed to America, you did not forget in that trying 
hour the source of all power and all good ; you appealed 
to that Being in whose hands are the issues of life and 
the fate of nations, and you completed the glory of the 
patriot by exhibiting the Christian hero. As long as 
illustrious events shall be embodied in history, so long 
will the victory on Lake Champlain, obtained under 
your auspices, command the respect of mankind. And 
when you and all who hear me shall be numbered among 
the dead, those who succeed us, to the most extended 
line of remote antiquity, will cherish with exultation 
those great achievements which are indissolubly con- 
nected with the prosperity and glory of America." 

The freeman's oath was then administered to the 
Commodore and the certificate of freedom was pre- 
sented to him in a gold box. He then replied to 
his honor the mayor by saying: "Sir; With mingled 
feelings of gratitude and pleasure I receive the honor 
you have been pleased to confer on me. The title of a 
freeman of this city, distinguished as much for its high 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 217 

national character as for its commercial eminence, will 1815 
be borne with peculiar pride and satisfaction." Later 
in the day he was the guest of the common council at a 
dinner. In the evening the theatre was brilliantly 
illuminated in his honor. He had just entered and 
taken his seat at the end of the first act when a fire in 
the rear of the building brought the performance to a 
sudden stop. 

While in New York he stayed at the home of Wil- 
liam Denning, his wife's grandfather. On the even- 
ing of the day on which the events just mentioned 
occurred Mr. Denning wrote his daughter, Mrs. Shaler, 
of Middletown: " Capt. Macdonough may leave us 
to-morrow. * * * The Commodore dined with the cor- 
poration to-day who have shown him every mark of 
respect. The mayor called on me after he had seen 
Mr. Macdonough. Said he thought I might be very 
proud of such a grandson. I had a very polite invita- 
tion to the dinner. I plead with truth my indisposi- 
tion. In short our city has been alive ever since his 
arrival, and it is much regretted his stay is not longer. 
On my own part I was much gratified by his staying 
with us, although we have been comparatively de- 
prived of his society. This, however, is as it should 
be. * * * Some alarm has reached the seat of govern- 
ment relating to a British winter expedition to de- 
stroy the fleet. In this I do not believe, but it causes 
his immediate departure. He does not seem to like 
the command of the steam frigate, not being used to 
such a vessel." 



CHAPTER XIII 
1815-1820 

Rumors of attack on vessels at Whitehall — Macdonough ordered to Lake 
Champlain to observe situation — His report to Secretary of the Navy — Expresses 
hope that he will not be placed in command on Lake Champlam again — Is 
retained there, however, until close of war — Peace is declared — Visits his home 
in Delaware — Ordered to Portsmouth navy yard — His failing health — Is pre- 
sented with sword by state of New York — Ordered to the Guerriere at Boston — 
Sails for Russia with the American Minister — Incidents of the voyage — Arrives 
in the Mediterranean from Cronstadt — Cruises with the squadron under Commo- 
dore Stewart — Relieved of his command by order of the commander-in-chief — 
Reasons therefor — Ordered to the United States. 

1 81 5 Although most of the British naval force on Lake 
Champlain had been captured, Prevost's army still 
remained practically intact and there were disquieting 
rumors of a meditated attack upon the American ves- 
sels at Whitehall. Governor Tompkins was very ap- 
prehensive that such an attack would be made and he 
wrote the Commodore that he would be glad of an op- 
portunity to consult with him and the governor of 
Vermont regarding the security of the American squad- 
ron. General Macomb, who remained in command of 
the post at Plattsburg, was instructed by the Secretary 
of War to use even- practicable means to insure the 
safety of the vessels. Under date of January 3 Ma- 
comb submitted to Lieutenant Budd a comprehensive 
plan for defending the squadron and informed him 
that he had requested the "War Department to order 
2,000 regulars to the head of the lake. The govern- 
ment finally became so fearful that the enemy would 
undertake a winter expedition against the fleet that 
218 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 210 

Macdonough was ordered from New York to the lake 1815 
to report on the situation. He accordingly left New 
York January 7 and went directly to Whitehall. The 
season was unusually mild and the lake was still navi- 
gable on January 13. After conferring with Lieuten- 
ant Budd regarding the security of the squadron, the 
Commodore proceeded to Burlington and from there, 
on the 30th, went to Plattsburg, where he wrote the 
following report : 

MACDONOUGH TO SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 

Plattsburg, February 1, 181 5. 

Sir; I have the honor to inform you that from the best 
information to be obtained at this place, and which is believed, 
the enemy do not meditate an attack on our vessels at White- 
hall this winter. No preparations are making by the enemy 
which indicate such an expedition. 

I am sorry, though, to inform you the enemy are, by the best 
information, preparing to build another naval force on Lake 
Champlain. This is very generally believed and, indeed, there 
appears to be no doubt that timber for three frigates, three 
brigs and several galleys is collecting on Isle aux Noix and 
that carpenters have arrived on the island. A probability 
exists, though small, that the timber may be destined for 
Kingston, Lake Ontario. This will be determined in a few 
days by persons employed by the commanding general, 
Macomb. 

Should the enemy build to such an extent it will become 
necessary, if the command of the lake is to be retained, for us 
to build also, unless we should have a superior force on land 
to enable our naval force to obstruct the channel from 
Isle aux Noix to the lake, which at best would be difficult 
to do and probably the attempt inexpedient. Should it be 
the determination of government to build, the timber &c. 
should be got on the ground at Whitehall while the snow 
affords facility for transportation. 



220 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1815 Having satisfied myself agreeably to an order of the Depart- 
ment of the 27th December that an attack on the fleet is not 
intended by the enemy this winter, I shall proceed, in obedi- 
ence to an order of the 9th December, to attend the court 
martial on Major General James Wilkinson at Troy, and from 
Troy to New York to take command of the steam frigate as 
directed by the Department, remaining a few days in Middle- 
town, Conn. , to settle some personal concerns which my recent 
orders have prevented my doing, to which I hope you will 
have no objection, and at Middletown or New York I shall 
meet any further orders you may be pleased to give me. 

In New York I had the honor to suggest the necessity of 
appointing an officer to command on this lake and to mention 
Captains Creighton, Angus and Woolsey. The first of these 
gentlemen would, in my opinion, be a capable officer for the 
command. I sincerely hope some one may be appointed and 
that I may not be placed again in command on the lake. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, sir, your most 
obedient servant, 

T. Macdonough. 
Hon. C. B. Crowninshield, 

Secretary of the Navy, Washington. 

In the original draft of this report the Commodore 
wrote and crossed out the words " that I may not be 
continued on it where I already have been since the 
commencement of the war and where, no doubt, many 
officers equally capable would like to be. It certainly 
is my wish to give my individual aid to its fullest ex- 
tent in the war. I only ask to be not continued in the 
command on Lake Champlain." One reason for re- 
questing to be assigned to duty elsewhere than on the 
lake was because the severity of the climate, the trying 
conditions of the service and constant exposure had 
affected his health, as he wrote the Secretary Septem- 
ber 13 of the previous year. The Navy Department 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 221 

declined his request, however. The 3rd of February 1815 
he returned to Burlington and the next day went to 
Whitehall, where he remained until the close of the 
war. The intelligence regarding the enemy's prepa- 
rations for putting another naval force on the lake 
was found to be correct. A friend of the Commodore's, 
Matthew Sax, of Chazy, wrote to him March 17: "I 
have been to Montreal since the war. Much is said to 
your praise in that country. I had a view of the Isle 
aux Noix and their preparations for the next cam- 
paign. They have 12 new galleys on the stocks of a 
large size and 3 large vessels with the keels laid and 
the stem and stern posts up. All is now stopped. 
They did not expect to be on the lake until September." 

On February 17 the Senate ratified the treaty of 
peace which had been signed at Ghent December 24 
of the previous year. There now being no further use 
for the naval force at Whitehall, the men were sent to 
Charlestown to prepare the Independence 74 for sea 
and the vessels were laid up. 

Several important naval actions occurred in this 
year, one before and three after peace had been de- 
clared. On January 15 the frigate President, Captain 
Stephen Decatur, was captured by a British squadron 
consisting of the razee Majestic, Captain Hayes, the 
frigate Endymion, Captain Hope, the frigate Pomone, 
Captain Lumly, and the frigate Tenedos, Captain Par- 
ker; The United States frigate Constitution, Captain 
Charles Stewart, took the frigate Cyane, Captain Fal- 
con, and the sloop of war Levant, Captain Douglass, 
February 20 ; the British brig Penguin, Captain Dick- 
enson, struck to the brig Hornet, Captain James Bid- 



222 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1815 die, March 23; and on June 30 the brig Nautilus, 
Lieutenant Boyce, surrendered to the American sloop 
of war Peacock, Captain Lewis Warrington. 

After a short visit to Middle town Macdonough went 
to Washington to solicit a command in the squadron 
about to be sent against Algiers under Decatur, but 
his request was refused. Shortly after (May 13) he 
was ordered to take charge of the navy yard at Ports- 
mouth, N. H., and to superintend the fitting out of the 
Washington 74 until the arrival of Commodore Chaun- 
cey, who was to command her. On his way to Washing- 
ton he called on Mr. Robert Smith, former Secretary 
of the Navy. ' He was very glad to see me," the 
Commodore wrote to Caesar A. Rodney from Wash- 
ington May 2, " and I am sure I was so to see him, for 
he was always my friend." On the completion of the 
business which called him to Washington, he paid a 
visit to his family at the Trap, Delaware. It was his 
first visit to his native state in many years and he re- 
ceived a warm and affectionate welcome from his broth- 
ers and sisters and an enthusiastic greeting from his 
friends and neighbors. 

In addition to passing numerous acts for the increase 
of the naval force of the United States, Congress had 
amended, on February 7, 181 5, the several acts for 
establishing a navy department by adding thereto a 
Board of Commissioners to consist of three captains, 
with specific duties. The first members of the Board 
were Captains John Rodgers, Isaac Hull and David 
Porter, all appointed April 25, 181 5. Regarding the 
creation of the Board the Commodore wrote this year 
to his friend Caesar A. Rodney: " The friends of the 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 223 

navy will rejoice at the prospect of the support the navy 1815 
will receive from the Board of Commissioners who have 
entered upon their duties. They are a thorough going 
set of men, devoted to the interest of the establish- 
ment. Their acts will be bottomed upon judgment 
and experience." 

Macdonough relieved Commodore Isaac Hull in com- 
mand of the Portsmouth navy yard July 1. At this 
time the following officers were on duty at the yard : 
Lieutenants Henry Wells, Joseph Smith and Walter L. 
Monteath; Sailing Masters William M. Robins, Samuel 
P. Chamberlain, James Ferguson and Nathaniel Stood - 
ley; Surgeon Robert L. Thorn; Purser Nathaniel 
Lyde; Midshipman Joel Abbot; Captain Archibald 
Henderson, of the marine corps; and 1st Lieutenant 
Samuel E. Watson, of the marine corps. Beyond fit- 
ting out the Washington 74 no work was done on ves- 
sels at the yard for the next two years, the entire force 
being employed in laying out walks and making prepa- 
rations to erect buildings. Quite a number of col- 
ored seamen were attached to the yard but they were 
discharged by order of the Navy Department and were 
not allowed to be employed except as officers' servants. 
In 1 816 the Commodore again visited Lake Champlain 181 6 
as a member of a Board to select a site for fortifications 
at Plattsburg. 

The legislature of the state of New York had voted 181 7 
him a sword and Governor Tompkins now desired to 
present it. The Commodore's health at this time was 
too delicate to hazard the consequences of a journey to 
Albany, and arrangements were therefore made for the 
presentation to take place at Hartford. The following 



2 24 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1817 account of the ceremony is taken from the New York 
Spectator of February 19, 181 7 : 

Hartford, Feb. 15. 

Honour to Macdonough. — His honor, the mayor of the 
city of Hartford, having received from his Excellency the 
governor of New York polite notice that circumstances had 
rendered convenient that the ceremony of delivering to Com. 
Macdonough the sword voted to him by the state of New York 
should take place in this city on Thursday the 13th inst., pro- 
ceeded to convene the court of common council, who united 
with him in the appointment of a committee of arrangement 
to take measures for a general attendance of the citizens, 
respectfully to receive the delegation commissioned for the 
delivery, and duly to honour the arrival of the hero of Cham- 
plain. 

Delegation from the State of New York for the 
Delivery of the Sword 

Adj. Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, 
Hon. Henry Seymour, of the Senate, 
Wm. A. Duer Esq., of the Assembly, 
Col. A. Lamb, aide to Gov. Tompkins, 
James King Esq., of Albany. 

The delegation arrived on the evening of the 1 2th in an ele- 
gant sleigh, its box presenting the form of a beautiful barge, its 
stern having this inscription — 

MACDONOUGH 

The morning of the 13th proved that the day was to be char- 
acterized by the extreme of cold — that did not, however, pre- 
vent a most zealous devotion to the occasion. 

The Commodore was met in Wethersfield and escorted into 
Hartford by the governor's Horse Guards, under the command 
of Maj. Buck, and by great numbers of our citizens. His 
arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon and the 
ringing of bells. 

At 2 p.m. Commodore Macdonough, escorted by the gover- 
nor's Foot Guards commanded by Major Goodwin, by part of 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 225 

the committee of arrangement, and by military officers in uni- 1 81 7 
form; and the delegation from the state of N. York, escorted 
by the artillery under the command of Capt. Ripley, and 
city authorities, repaired from their respective lodgings to the 
elevated steps of the Phoenix bank, fronting the state-house, 
that position favouring the curiosity of the greatest concourse 
of people witnessed in Hartford since the illumination for peace. 
The Commodore and the delegates met on the steps of the 
bank, and the august ceremony commenced. Mr. Duer, of the 
delegation, bearing in his hand the refulgent meed of modest 
merit, uncovering and approaching the Commodore, audibly 
and eloquently addressed to him the following encomium, 
presenting, at the same time, the reward of heroism: 

Address of the Delegation by Mr. Duer 

Commodore Macdonough — We are delegated by the gov- 
ernor of New York to present the sword voted to you by the 
legislature of the state as a testimonial of the valour, con- 
stancy and skill which, under a protecting providence, 
enabled you to achieve the victory of Lake Champlain. 

The splendid triumph obtained by the squadron under your 
command over a superior British force has secured to you an 
imperishable name in the annals of the age. It has com- 
manded the applause of distant nations, and called forth the 
gratitude of your country. That portion of your fellow- 
citizens, whose sentiments we now convey to you, may not 
appreciate more highly than the rest your conduct on that 
memorable day, but as they were more directly benefited by 
your success, they feel, perhaps, more deeply the value of your 
services. At no period of the late eventful contest were 
consequences so important dependent upon the fate of bat- 
tles. A numerous and well appointed army of the enemy 
composed of veteran troops, led by experienced generals and 
flushed with recent conquest, penetrated our northern frontier 
and by the aid of a formidable naval armament threatened 
to advance into the bosom of our state. The storm of war 
was collected in one cloud, and its course directed to one point. 
In that awful moment of suspense every hope was fixed upon 
your efforts to avert its fury, and the most sanguine expecta- 
tions of your country were more than realized. By a masterly 
position, you compelled the hostile fleet to approach your 
moorings to certain disadvantage. By the precision of your 
fire, the promptness of your manoeuvres, the discipline and 



2 26 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1817 spirit you had infused into your crews, and by your own un- 
daunted and deliberate valor, you gained a victory as signal 
as decisive, and as important as any inscribed upon the naval 
pillar of your country. You captured and destroyed almost 
the whole of the adverse squadron — ■ you compelled the in- 
vading army to retreat — you saved our territory from rapine, 
our border dwellings from pillage and destruction — their in- 
habitants from banishment, captivity or death. Services 
like these cannot be repaid, nor can they be forgotten. Those 
of our fellow-citizens who, from the surrounding shores, were 
anxious spectators of the conflict, as they point to the theatre 
of your glory and their deliverance, will forever associate with 
the fame of the hero the remembrance of a benefactor. In 
the presence, therefore, of this brilliant concourse of the free- 
men of a sister state, and of the authorities of this respectable 
city, to whom we are so deeply indebted for their co-operation, 
accept, in the name of the people of New York, this sword, as a 
token of their heart-felt admiration and the pledge of their 
lasting recollection of all they owe to you; and, in thus exe- 
cuting the charge confided to us, we should not do justice to 
the feelings of the patriotic chief magistrate whom we have 
the honor to represent, were we, on this occasion, to omit the 
expression of his personal regard, his high sense of your gal- 
lantry, his gratitude for your meritorious exertions, and his 
fervent wishes for your temporal and eternal welfare. 

Commodore Macdonough, respectfully bowing to the dele- 
gates, gave vent to his emotions in the following reply: 

Commodore Macdonough's Reply 

Impressed with a lively sense of the distinguished honor 
conferred on me by the legislature of the state of New York in 
the presentation of this sword, I receive it with sentiments of 
the highest gratification and respect. The immificence of 
that state, so conspicuous on many occasions, justly entitles 
her to the high character which she sustains. None have 
experienced more of her liberality than myself, and I trust 
none have received it with more gratitude. To the citizens 
of Hartford my sincere acknowledgments are due for the 
very prompt and handsome manner in which they have aided 
his Excellency the governor of the state of New York in the 
presentation of this sword. I beg his Excellency to accept the 
assurance of my highest respect and esteem. 

Address to the Audience by Mr. Duer 
It is impossible fully to express our obligations to this nu- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 227 

merous assemblage of fellow-citizens — to the authorities of our 1817 
sister state who are here present, and to the magistracy and 
inhabitants of the city of Hartford in particular — for the liber- 
ality and spirit with which they have assisted us to honor the 
gallant officer who has chosen his abode amongst them. We 
shall feel it our duty to make such a report of it to the execu- 
tive authority of our state, under whose commission we have 
acted, as the occasion demands. 

The ceremony ended, a spontaneous and universal burst of 
acclamation rent the air, Hail Columbia, from an excellent 
band, bearing away its echoes. 

The procession now formed to escort the Commodore and 
the delegation to Morgan's, the place of approaching festivity. 

President of the day, Hon. Jonathan Brace, mayor; — 
vice-president, John Russ, Esq. 

Music from the band and patriotic songs accompanied the 
sentiments proposed after dinner in the following toasts, 
which were received with reiterated huzzas: 

Toasts 

1 st. The United States. — May every foreign aggression 
serve to cement their union. 

2d. The President of the United States. 

3d. The Governor of the State of Connecticut. 

4th. The Governor of the State of New York, whose cour- 
tesy allies itself to our present festivity. 

5th. The Navy. — Itself the best herald of its importance 
and of its title to national patronage. 

6th. Our Naval Heroes. — They have covered their country 
with imperishable glory. 

7th. The Army. — The records of its valor are on lasting 
monuments. 

8th. The American flag. — In the same skies it finds stars 
for its insignia and limits for its glory. 

9th. The memory of Washington. 

10th. The Heroes who achieved our Independence. 

nth. The Sailor and the Soldier. — 

Unknown, yet honor'd, humble, yet your fame 
Wreathes you bright laurels round your hero's name. 



228 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 817 12th. The Victory on Lake Champlain. — Immortal honors 
for so brilliant an achievement. 

13th. Literature and the Arts. — Majestic columns, the 
supporters of civilization. 

14th. Agriculture. — The Parent of Independence and the 
Guardian of Innocence. 

15th. Cumberland Head. — May every hill of our country 
which witnesses the approach of an enemy, also witness his 
defeat. 

1 6th. Our native soil. — May it never be marked with the 
footsteps of an invader. 

17th. Commerce, Manufactures, and the Mechanic Arts. 

1 8th. The free Sovereign and Independent States of the 
Union, members of one family. — May they unite in seeking 
the welfare of each other. 

19th. The Fair. 

Their smiles for the virtuous Patriot — 
Their tears for the bravely fallen. 

VOLUNTEER TOASTS 

By Com. Macdonough. — The Citizens of Hartford. 

By Wm, A. Duer Esq. — May the festivities of this day 
unite more firmly our neighboring states by the ties of mutual 
hospitality. 

By Judge Gould. — The reign of peace. — May it be as im- 
mortal as the valour that guards and the laurels that adorn it. 

By the Hon. O. Wolcott. — Our Country. — The fame of 
the illustrious men it has produced is the richest inheritance 
we can transfer to our posterity. 

By Major Russ, Vice-President. — The State of N.York. 
— Justly associating gratitude with greatness. 

By Gen. Terry. — The memory of the heroes who have 
fallen in defense of our country. 

How sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
By all their country's wishes blest. 

By Col. Trumbull. — The dying words of the brave 
Lawrence, who four years from this day captured the sloop of 
war Peacock — " Don't give up the ship." 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 229 

After Commodore Macdonough had retired. 1817 

By the Mayor of this city, President of the day. — 
Commodore Macdonough. 

After the delegation from the state of New York had retired. 

By the Mayor. — The delegation from the state of N. York. 

The day closed on the happiness of the citizens, the dignity 
of the delegates, and the honours of Macdonough. 

While the state of New York was thus manifesting 
its gratitude for a great victory won, the victor was 
fighting against the bodily ills which his arduous labors 
on Lake Champlain brought in their train. The Com- 
modore's health was such as to cause the gravest con- 
cern to his family and friends, and it was thought 
advisable for him to seek relief in a milder climate. 
He accordingly solicited and obtained (April 22, 18 18) 1818 
an order to take command of the 44-gun frigate Guer- 
riere and convey the Hon. George W. Campbell, our 
Minister to Russia, to Cronstadt and then join the Medi- 
terranean squadron. He proceeded at once to Bos- 
ton, where the Guerriere was lying, and superintended 
her equipment, assisted by his old friend Commodore 
Bainbridge who was stationed at the Charlestown navy 
yard. " She was provisioned for a two years cruise, 
fully repaired, and manned in so short a time as to 
reflect credit upon all branches of the naval service." 
On the 3rd of June the frigate moved out into the 
stream and by the 30th was ready to sail. On July 
16 the Secretary of the Navy and the Minister, 
accompanied by Commodores Bainbridge and Hull, 
Congressmen Otis, Mason and Silsby, and several gov- 
ernment officers, visited the ship and were received with 



230 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



181 8 the customary courtesies. On the 22nd Mr. Campbell 
with his wife and three children went aboard and two 
days later the Guerriere dropped down to President 
Roads, where she was compelled to anchor. The next 
day, July 25, she put to sea. She carried from Boston 
the following officers : 



Commander 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant of marines 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 



Captain Thomas Macdonough 

Joseph Smith 

William L. Gordon 

Charles E. Crowly 

Elie A. F. Vallette 

Bladen Dulany 

Joseph Cross 

Thomas A. Conover 

Joel Abbot 

Lyman Kellogg 

John Marshall 

Robert Marshall 

Samuel S. Turner 

William M. Glendy 

Charles E. Hawkins 

Thomas J. Manning 

Thomas B. Worthington 

Frederick Engle 

Charles T. Piatt 

Charles Ellery 

Robert Harris, Jr. 

Walter F. Jones 

John C. Jones 

Russell Baldwin 

A. J. Bennett 

Joseph R. Jarvis 

Isaac H. Rand 

Egbert Shaler 

Charles V. Morris 

George P. Upshur 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 23 1 

Midshipman Stephen B. Wilson 1818 

Midshipman William S. Walker 

Midshipman Thomas M. Randolph 

Midshipman Charles Wilkes, Jr. 

Midshipman William F. Harris 

Midshipman Augustus Nicholson 

Midshipman Griffin Tompkins 

Midshipman Charles H. Bell 

Surgeon Usher Parsons 

Purser James M. Halsey 

Chaplain Philander Chase, Jr. 

Sailing Master Samuel C. Hixon 

Among these officers were five future rear admirals — 
Joseph Smith, Elie A. F. Vallette, Frederick Engle, 
Charles Wilkes, Jr., and Charles H. Bell. Philander 
Chase was the son of the Reverend (afterwards Bishop) 
Philander Chase, of Hartford, Ct. The young man 
had been admitted a lay reader and a candidate for 
holy orders under the supervision of Bishop Griswold. 
This had been done at the instance of the Commodore 
who knew the youth's pious and manly character, and 
he now prevailed upon the young man to go to Russia 
and the Mediterranean in the Guerriere in the place 
and with the pay of a chaplain. 

The Guerriere was a fine vessel of 1,508 tons and 
carried 400 officers and men. She was built at Phila- 
delphia in 18 14 and was named after the Constitution's 
prize which was burned at sea in 181 2. This was her 
second cruise, her first having been to the Mediterra- 
nean as Commodore Decatur's flagship in 181 5. " Her 
equipment is most complete and effective for the pur- 
pose of defense or aggression ", commented a London 
paper while the ship was lying at Cowes a few weeks 



232 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1818 later. " She is remarkably clean but nothing appears 
to be made for mere show. Her bits are extremely 
large and every rope is led through a separate block; 
each has its own belaying pin. She mounts on her 
main deck thirty long twenty-four pounders, on the 
quarterdeck fourteen forty-two pounder carronades 
and two long twenty-four pounders, and on the fore- 
castle forty-two pounder carronades and two long 
twenty-four pounders. * * * In this ship the most 
extraordinary attention has been paid to her warfare 
qualities. Attached to every gun is all the apparatus, 
including lanterns, swords, pikes, and boarding caps. 
The tackles are rove through various large sheaved 
blocks, which considerably lightens the labor and ren- 
ders the guns capable of being worked much quicker 
than in our ships. The trucks of the gun carriages are 
of larger diameter and the axle-trees are much longer, 
and effectually prevent the guns from upsetting." 

For some reason, possibly because some of her ballast 
had been removed at Charlestown and not replaced, 
the frigate was very cranky — so much so. in fact, 
that some of the guns from the quarterdeck and fore- 
castle and 34,248 pounds of shot from the spar and gun 
decks were sent below and even the empty water casks 
were tilled from alongside and used as ballast. At 
Cronstadt between 39 and 40 tons of iron ballast were 
taken on board and stowed away on end down between 
the casks of the ground tier. The ship appeared to be 
unhealthful. " Thirty-two men on the sick list, 
though no dangerous cases ' wrote the Commodore 
August 10 in the journal which he kept on this cruise. 
" The ship appears to be unhealthful notwithstand- 



f\ 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 233 

ing every precaution is taken to keep her otherwise. 1818 
A fever has prevailed in the ship though we have lost 
no men yet. The surgeon says it has been in some 
cases quite malignant. Pump water in and out of the 
ship to keep her sweet, as she is very tight. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Campbell are unwell, Mrs. C. particularly 
quite so." He wrote again September 13: " On the 
sick list we have had since leaving the United States 
from twenty-five to thirty-seven or forty men not- 
withstanding all necessary and even extraordinary 
means have been taken and used to keep the crew in a 
healthy state. The ship, I suspect, has a disposition 
to be unhealthful, as some unaccountably have, though 
we have not lost a man from sickness as yet." The 
following excerpts are from the Commodore's journal 
which consists mostly of the usual professional com- 
ments and observations. 

August 5 

Mr. Campbell this day decided on going through the Channel. 

August 20 

At about 4 p.m. took a pilot off St. Alban's Head, or a little 
to the eastward of it, and ran through the Needles and anchored 
at about 10 in the night at Cowes. Next day moored ship. 
The Hon. Mr. Campbell and family went on shore to stay a 
day or two to recruit. The admiral commanding at Spithead 
(Sir George Campbell, commander-in-chief at Portsmouth) 
sent his compliments to me, welcomed me to the port, and 
offered any assistance we might stand in need of. The ship 
was visited by a great many people of all ranks. Among 
those who came were Lord Spencer, once in the Admiralty; 
the Marquis of Buckingham; Mr. Tierney, the leader of the 
Opposition in Parliament, with his daughter; Admiral Locke; 
and many officers of the British navy and army. * * * 



234 LIFE 0F COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1818 On the 25th the Hon. Mr. Campbell and family came on 
board. Got under way at sunset and stood out by Spithead. 

August 31 

Anchored at Elsineur on the 31st of August, making a pas- 
sage from Cape Cod, which we left at sun down on the 26th of 
July, of 35 days, out of which we la)* 4 days in Cowes. An 
officer visited the ship with the commanding naval officer's 
compliments and welcomed us to the port and politely said it 
would be agreeable and a pleasing thing if I would salute the 
castle, and that as many guns as I thought proper to give the 
same should be returned by the castle. 

September i 

Got under way and ran up to Copenhagen, where Mr. 
Campbell and his family went on shore with myself. Saluted 
the place with 19 guns, which were returned with the same 
number. The officers visited the place, dock yard &c. Found 
the people very polite and attentive. The admiral (Linholm) 
visited the ship and was saluted with 1 5 guns. Made prepara- 
tions to sail. Sent a boat ashore for the Minister, the wind 
being fair for the Baltic. On the 5th the Minister and family 
came on board. 

September ii 

To-day, the anniversary of the battle on Lake Champlain, 
had all the wardroom officers to take a glass of wine in com- 
memoration thereof; then the officers of the steerage the 
same. 

September 17 

Called on Admiral Muller, the commander at Cronstadt, 
with the Minister and visited the docks and vessels therein 
and looked over the town, which is a strongly fortified place 
with convenient docks &c. both dry and wet. On this place, 
I was told, 3,000 cannon were mounted; indeed it is lined 
with them. At 2 in the afternoon the Minister and his family 
went on board the steamboat, which came alongside, and 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 235 

went to St. Petersburg. Saluted his departure with 20 guns Iolo 
and manned yards. At 5 saluted the town with 20 guns, 
which were promptly returned. 

Visited St. Petersburg with one half of the officers; the 
others went up on our return. * * * The weather has been 
remarkably fine — mild and clear, such as we have at this 
season in the United States. On the 26th hoisted in the boats 
and kept ready to sail when the wind would allow it. Was 
visited by Prince Labanoff, Aide to Emperor Alexander, who 
expressed much pleasure at the appearance of the ship and 
regretted that the Emperor could not have the opportunity 
to visit the Guerriere, he being absent at the Congress in Ger- 
many. The Prince was received with a salute of 11 guns. 
When he left the ship in his boat he cheered us, which was 
returned. Prince Labanoff is a fine looking man and a great 
friend of the Americans. 

October i 

I went on board the admiral's ship, whose squadron had 
anchored the day before at Cronstadt, to pay my respects to 
him — Admiral Krown, an Englishman, a polite, gentlemanly 
old man; his ship a 74 as well as those of the line in his squad- 
ron. Saluted. The next day the admiral returned my visit 
and was saluted of course. 

The Guerriere left Cronstadt October 2 and pro- 
ceeded to the Mediterranean, not going through the Eng- 
lish Channel but around the Shetland Islands. She 
reached Gibraltar November 12, and after taking on 
water and provisions sailed on the 16th and joined the 
Franklin, United States and Erie at Syracuse on De- 
cember 6th. The squadron, which also included the 
absent Spark, was commanded by Captain Charles 
Stewart, who displayed his broad pennant on the 
Franklin 74. Leaving Syracuse on the 14th, the 
squadron ran over to Messina, where it arrived the next 



7 \6 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1818 day and remained during the stormy season. The 

1819 United States sailed for home March 10, 1S19, and 
the Franklin, Guerriere and Erie left Messina April 15 
to cruise. From April 17 to May 9 they were at Pa- 
lermo; from May 13 to 31 at Naples; June 3 and 4 at 
Tunis; June 16 at Malaga; and June 17 the Guerriere 
anchored in Algeciras Bay, where she was joined a few 
days later by the Franklin, Erie and Spark. These 
wore all familiar places to Macdonough, for in these 
waters he had served his apprenticeship under Captain 
Murray and Commodore Preble, an apprenticeship full 
of excitement and hard knocks but worth a dozen 
years of peaceful cruising. As a result of the energetic 
measures taken by Commodore Decatur in 1S15, the 
Barbary Powers and the United States were now on 
a friendly footing under the terms of treaties un- 
tainted by tribute. At Naples Francis II, Emperor 
of Austria, and Ferdinand, King of Naples, visited 
the Franklin and received from the squadron the 
honors due their rank. The officers of the different 
vessels were presented to the two sovereigns on board 
the flagship. 

Under date of July 5 the Commodore writes in his 
journal: " Getting all things ready for sea. At 1.45 
p.m. made signal 297 for court martial which was 
answered by the squadron consisting of the flagship, 
Erie and Spark. Continues mild and pleasant weather. 
July 8th was suspended from my command by Com- 
modore Stewart and agreeably to his order gave the 
ship up to the command of the next senior officer on 
board, who was Lieut. Gordon. * * * At the same 
time were suspended with myself Captain Ballard, Cap- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 237 

tain Nicholson, Lieut. Commandant Gallagher and 1819 
Lieut. Page for alleged improper conduct observed 
towards the commander-in-chief as members of a court 
martial." Macdonough refers but briefly in his journal 
and in his autobiography to the reason for the suspen- 
sion from duty of the members of the court of which 
he was president. 

On May 26, while the squadron was lying in the Bay 
of Naples, Commodore Stewart ordered a court martial 
to be held on the Guerriere for the trial of Robert 
Sloane, a marine, who had murderously assaulted one 
of the Franklin's crew. The court, consisting of Cap- 
tain Macdonough (president), Master Commandant 
H. C. Ballard, Master Commandant J. J. Nicholson, 
Lieutenant John Gallagher, Lieutenant Benjamin Page 
Jr., and Purser Benjamin F. Bourne (judge advocate), 
convened on board the Guerriere the 28th at 10 a.m. 
After the evidence was heard and the sentence passed, 
the court adjourned at 1.50 p.m. to meet the next day 
on shore at Naples in consequence of the indisposition 
of the judge advocate. Having revised and signed 
the record at Naples the following day, the court ad- 
journed sine die. The proceedings and sentence being 
sent to Commodore Stewart for his approval were by 
him declared to be illegal and of no effect in the fol- 
lowing communication to the judge advocate, a copy 
of which was also sent to the president of the court : 

COMMODORE STEWART TO MACDONOUGH 

U. S. S. Franklin, 
(Copy) Bay of Naples, May 31st, 1819. 

The commander-in-chief of the squadron in consideration 
of the foregoing proceedings of the court being illegally held on 



238 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

181 9 the last day of the meeting of the said court in the city of 
Naples, where the U. States of America have no jurisdiction, 
and it being there held in violation of the order contained in 
the warrant dated May 26, 1819, directing the same to be 
held on board the U. S. frigate Guerriere, directs the prisoner 
to be released and considers the proceedings null and void. 
The commander-in-chief presuming this to have arisen on the 
part of the court through inadvertence is willing to pass it 
over without further notice, but recommends to the court 
more caution in future that culprits deserving punishment 
may not escape justice to the prejudice of the public service. 

Chas. Stewart. 
Thos. Macdonough, Esq., 

President General Naval Court Martial. 

Commodore Stewart revived the court by signal to 
receive this communication and the court convened for 
that purpose on board the Guerriere at 11 a.m. the 
same day (May 31). His communication having been 
received, the commander-in-chief considered the court 
to be dissolved although he gave no order to that effect. 
The court was of the opinion that the commodore's 
letter should form part of its record and he was asked to 
return the latter, which he did. The court was further 
of the opinion that the language used by the com- 
mander-in-chief in his communication was virtually a 
censure upon its proceedings — an unjustifiable inter- 
ference with the deliberations of the court which, as a 
body, was independent of his control and beyond the 
reach of his reproof. Not having been dissolved by 
the commodore's order the court considered itself still 
in existence and resolved to convene again for the pur- 
pose of asserting its honor and dignity. 

As the squadron was under orders to sail for Alge- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 239 

ciras Bay the afternoon of the 31st no further action 1819 
was taken at the time. On the 5th of July, while the 
squadron was lying at Gibraltar, the president of the 
court (Macdonough) signalled the members to meet on 
the Guerriere. A resolution embodying the court's 
opinion as to its rights as a body and its status with 
relation to the authority of the commander-in-chief 
was passed and sent to Commodore Stewart. He re- 
plied that he considered the resolution grossly disre- 
spectful and an attempt to impugn his personal and 
official motives. ' The members of the court disavow 
such an intention ", was the response, " and offer their 
tribute of respect to the person and character of the 
commander-in-chief, but sustain the opinion of their 
corporate rights and the resolution founded thereon." 
The commodore's answer to this took the following 
form, orders similar in effect being sent at the same 
time to the other members of the court : 

COMMODORE STEWART TO MACDONOUGH 

U. S. Ship Franklin, 
Gibraltar Bay, July 8, 1819. 
Sir; You will be pleased to transfer to the officer next in 
command to yourself on board the Guerriere all general orders, 
rules and regulations, and all orders appertaining to the serv- 
ice to you addressed which remain to be executed wholly or 
in part, and consider yourself suspended from your office and 
the duties thereof until further orders. 

I remain, sir, your most obdt. servt. 

Chs. Stewart. 
Captain Thomas Macdonough, 

U. S. Frigate Guerriere. 

On July 21 Commodore Stewart informed Macdon- 
ough that the Guerriere was about to be detached tern- 



240 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 819 porarily from the squadron and asked whether he pre- 
ferred to continue on the ship or remain at Gibraltar. 
Macdonough chose to stay with the ship. The same 
day (July 21) the Guerriere sailed from Gibraltar and 
arrived off Leghorn August 5, when Captain C. B. 
Thompson took command. On August 19 she left 
Leghorn for Cape De Gatt, off which she arrived the 
26th and cruised until September 18th, when she bore 
up for Gibraltar. The Erie was ordered to the United 
States soon after and she reached New York January 

1820 21, 1820, having on board all the suspended members 
of the court, who had been ordered home by direction 
of the President. 



CHAPTER XIV 
1820-1825 

Members of the Sloane court martial acknowledge their error — Macdonough 
ordered to resume command of the Guerriere — Declines on account of his health 
and is given the Ohio 74 — Presented by Connecticut with pair of gold mounted 
pistols — Visits Vermont and Lake Champlain ■ — ■ Receives gold mounted sword 
from crew of the Guerriere — His family — Ordered to the Constitution at New 
York — Sails for the Mediterranean and assumes command of the American 
squadron in those waters — Superseded by Commodore Rodgers — Death of his 
wife — Relieved of the command of the Constitution at his own request and sails 
for the United States — His death at sea — Letter from Dr. Turk describing the 
Commodore's last hours — Funeral ceremonies at New York — Taken to Middle- 
town and buried with military honors beside his wife. 

The members of the court immediately reported 1820 
their return to the United States and were directed to 
remain at New York until further orders. Macdon- 
ough asked for, and received, permission to await fur- 
ther instructions at Middletown. On the 16th of 
February he wrote the Secretary of the Navy that he 
had received legal advice in which he had the fullest 
confidence, that he regretted he did not have the bene- 
fit of this advice at the time of the proceedings in the 
Mediterranean, that as a result of it he now saw the 
affair in a somewhat different light, that the other 
members of the court shared his sentiments, and he 
asked for orders, or permission, to go to Washington 
and discuss the matter with the Secretary personally. 
The desired permission was granted, and on March 10, 
while in Washington, he addressed a letter to the Sec- 
retary saying: " From a misconception of the law the 
court erred, and I act in accordance with my ideas of 

241 



242 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1820 service and sense of propriety to acknowledge it with- 
out any hesitation." The high standing of the mem- 
bers of the court and the ingenuous admission of their 
error caused their representations to have the weight 
to which they were entitled. Macdonough was directed 
to return to the Mediterranean and resume command 
of the Guerriere. As Commodore Stewart was still in 
command of the Mediterranean squadron, this order 
implied that the Department did not consider that he 
had been personally reflected upon by the members of 
the court, otherwise Macdonough would certainly not 
have been restored at once to duty under him. 

Grateful as the order to rejoin the Guerriere no 
doubt was as expressing the sentiments of the Navy 
Department respecting his conduct, the Commodore felt 
obliged to request a different assignment on account of 
his health and on March 1 1 was accordingly appointed 
to command, when launched, the Ohio 74 build- 
ing at New York. In commenting on this ap- 
pointment the National Intelligencer of Washington 
said : ' ' We learn with great pleasure that Captain Mac- 
donough has been appointed to command the line of 
battle ship now building at New York when she shall 
be in a state to receive her commander. Captain 
Macdonough having become sensible that the course 
pursued by the court martial, of which he was a mem- 
ber, and which led to the officers composing said court 
being ordered home, was incorrect, with that mag- 
nanimity which bespeaks a great mind, acknowledged 
his error to the chief of the Navy Department, who has 
taken the earliest opportunity of restoring this gallant 
officer to the sendee. This appointment will, of course, 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 243 

afford additional pleasure when it is recollected that 1820 
it is made without impairing that subordination which 
is so essential to our naval service." 

The transfer from a 44 to a 74 was an actual pro- 
motion and emphasized the Department's view of the 
court martial matter. As the Ohio would not be afloat 
for some two months, the Commodore returned to 
Middletown. In the latter part of May Captain Sam- 
uel Evans wrote to him from New York that the ship 
would be launched on the 30th of that month and 
invited him to be present. Punctually on the day 
appointed the Ohio was put into the water. She was 
a splendid vessel of her class and compared favorably 
with any 74 afloat. Her length was 198 feet; beam, 
54.6 feet; tonnage, 2,757; an d she carried a comple- 
ment of 820 officers and men. After being completed 
she was retained at the Brooklyn navy yard until 
October, 1837, when she was partially manned and 
taken around to Boston by Captain Lawrence Kearney 
and fitted for sea. 

During his visit to Washington in March he was 
frequently in the company of his friend Commodore 
Stephen Decatur, who, at that time, was a member of 
the recently created navy Board of Commissioners. 
Decatur's untimely death on March 22nd was a great 
shock to him and he felt the loss keenly. At the fu- 
neral, which was on the afternoon of the 24th of March, 
the pall bearers were Commodores Rodgers, Tingey, 
Chauncey, Porter and Macdonough, Captains Ballard 
and Cassin, and Lieutenant Macpherson, all of the 
navy, and Generals Brown and Jessup of the army. 

The next four years of the Commodore's life were 



244 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1820 spent mostly at his home in Middletown, although he 
was still in command of the Ohio. His health improved, 
and while he was debarred from performing the more 
severe and arduous duties of his profession he was still 
able to serve his countrv in eminentlv useful though 
inconspicuous ways. He was a frequent member of 
courts martial and his unprejudiced and candid mind, 
keen discernment and calm, deliberate judgment made 
him a valuable associate in those tribunals. His pro- 
fessional knowledge made him an exceedingly desirable 
member of boards for the examination of junior officers, 
and in the wider field embraced by his general quali- 
fications as an officer and a seaman the Navy Depart- 
ment found at all times a head and hand devoted 
to the interests of the sen-ice. 

Soon after his arrival from the Mediterranean he was 
formally notified by Governor Oliver "Wolcott, of Con- 
necticut, that the state had voted to present him with 
a pair of pistols in commemoration of the action on 
Lake Champlain September 11, 1814, and these were 
now bestowed upon him with appropriate ceremonies. 
In the summer of this year (1820) he journeyed through 
Vermont and visited the places where he and his gal- 
lant associates had made history six years before. 
There was now peace and plenty among the dwellers 
on the lake. The song of the sword had ceased and 
the door was no longer barred against the midnight 
marauder. The people of the Champlain valley opened 
wide their arms and gave him a royal welcome. 

1 82 1 Shortly after this an incident occurred which touched 
the Commodore deeply. It will be recalled that on the 
8th of July, 1S19, he was suspended from the command 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 245 

of the Guerriere by order of Commodore Stewart. It 182 1 
was understood at the time that he would return to the 
United States at the first opportunity, and the crew of 
the frigate contributed $1,500 for the purchase of a 
sword to be presented to their late commander as a 
token of their regard. On hearing of this action Mac- 
donough was much affected and feelingly expressed 
regret that he could not accept the intended gift, but 
with increased attachment for the unassuming char- 
acter of the man who had led many of them to victory 
the crew insisted on carrying out their intentions. The 
sword was made in England and sent to the United 
States, the government remitting the usual duty by 
special act of Congress. 

In notifying the Commodore of the arrival of the 
sword at New York, Midshipman Russell Baldwin, 
representing the donors, wrote: "About the time of 
your leaving the Mediterranean for the United States 
the ship's company of the Guerriere, being duly im- 
pressed with a sense of their obligation to you for the 
solicitude you ever evinced for their comfort and hap- 
piness, with their characteristic liberality subscribed 
the sum of three hundred guineas to be applied to the 
purchase of a sword to be presented to you as a me- 
mento of their regard and esteem. ' ' The gift was deliv- 
ered at Middletown by Lieutenant Conover in behalf 
of the Guerriere 's crew with an appropriate address, to 
which the Commodore replied: "It is to me a most 
pleasing circumstance to receive so handsome an ex- 
pression of the goodifeeling of the crew of the United 
States frigate Guerriere, a crew distinguished for their 
activity and good conduct when I had the honor to 



246 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1 82 1 command that ship; and when our country again 
requires our sendees my greatest desire would be to 
embark with such men in the maintenance of her 
rights and honor." 

The sword is beautifully and heavily mounted in 
gold, the mounting showing exquisitely wrought sym- 
bols of peace and war. On one side of the scabbard is 
a view of the battle on Lake Champlain, with the fa- 
mous cock perched in the rigging of the Saratoga, and 
on the other side is the inscription ' ' The Crew of the 
U. S. S. Guerriere to Captain Thos. Macdonough, 8 
July, 1 819." The blade, which is beautifully etched, 
bears on one side the motto " No Impressment," and 
on the other " Maintain Your Rights." 

The Commodore's married life was the happiest im- 
aginable. He was blessed with a charming and devoted 
wife to whom he was equally devoted. Ten children * 
were born to them, five of whom died young. The 
last of the children, Augustus Rodney Macdonough, 
died recently in New York city. The family were mem- 
bers of Holy Trinity parish (then called Christ Church) , 
and in 182 1 and 1823 the Commodore was a delegate 

* 1 . A son who died young. 

2. Thomas Nathaniel, born October 25, 1814; died June 20, 1816. 

3. James Edward Fisher, born April 12, 181 6; died unmarried May 13, 1849. 

4. Mary Ann Louisa, born June 6, 181 7; died December 5, 1817. 

, m .„. S T a ,' ( twins, born June 28, 1818. The former married Clara. 

6. William Joseph, ) 

daughter of William G. and Anna (Garr) Hackstaff, October 18, 1855, and had 
issue; died December 1, 1871. The latter died February 14, 1821. 

7. Augustus Rodney, born November 20, 1820; married Frances Brenton 
McVickar, June 10, 1846. She died December 6, 1846. He died July 21, 1907. 

8. Thomas, born July n, 1S22; married first Hilda Palmer and had no issue; 
married second Mary Oakley June 6, 1867, and had issue; died June 25, 1894. 

9. Frances Augusta, born September 20, 1S23; died October 4, 1824. 

10. Charlotte Rosella, born Tune 23, 1S25; married Henry G. Hubbard June 
19, 1844, and had issue; died March 4, 1900. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 247 

to the diocesan convention. His home was on Main ^21 
Street, where the building of the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association now stands. In 18 18 he purchased 
this property from the estate of his father-in-law, 
Nathaniel Shaler, and erected thereon what was then 
considered a handsome and commodious house. The 
property passed out of the hands of the family some 
time ago, but the house remained standing and was 
used for various purposes up to within a few years, 
when it was torn down to make room for the present 
building. 

At various times between 1820 and 1824 the Com- 
modore applied for service afloat, but without avail. 
On January 22, 1822, he wrote to the Secretary of the 1822 
Navy: " I consider myself too young to remain so 
long inactive on shore. I have seen but little service 
of late years at sea and I am desirous of employing 
myself in the arts of my profession." He wrote again 
September 20, 1823 : " I have long since considered it a J ° 2 3 
point of duty an officer owes his country to keep in 
exercise and a state of improvement his professional 
faculties in order that he may the better perform such 
services as may be required of him ; and in the present 
disturbed state of Europe the time may not be far 
distant when the officers of our navy may be called 
upon to act a part very different from the peaceful 
manner in which they have for some years past been 
employed. It therefore becomes them to seek all 
opportunities to improve themselves, that they may go 
forward with confidence and ease when that time 
shall arrive." 

Although the Commodore's time was spent either in 



248 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



1823 Middletown or in the performance of various duties 
elsewhere, he was still officially in command of the 

1824 Ohio. On May 31, 1824, he was ordered to the Con- 
stitution at New York. This gallant frigate, of glo- 
rious memory, was his last command. She sailed from 
New York October 29, 1824, and from Sandy Hook 
the next day. Her officers were : 



Commander 

1 st Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant of marines 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 

Midshipman 



Captain Thomas Macdonough 

E. A. F. Vallette 

T. W. Wyman 

Samuel W. Downing 

Josiah Tattnall 

William M. Armstrong 

Joseph Cross 

Henry B. Tyler 

John Pope 

Richard H. Morris 

Allen A. Harwood 

John H. Marshall 

Charles C. Turner 

Lloyd B. Newell 

Richard D. Milieu 

Edward S. Lewis 

R. G. Robb 

Amasa Paine 

P. A. Stockton 

Charles W. Armstrong 

Edward Hoban 

Joseph Arnold 

James H. Ward 

John T. Jenkins 

A. H. Edwards 

James A. Hemphill 

G. Gansevoort 

Henry W. Morris 

John W. Mooers 




Copyright 1S96 by A. W. Elson & Co., Boston. 

U. S. Frigate Constitution 

(From the painting by Marshall Johnson) 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 249 

Midshipman Gray Skipwith 1 824 

Midshipman Augustus Barnhouse 

Midshipman James B. Glentworth 

Midshipman James E. Calhoun 

Midshipman Samuel Swartwout 

Surgeon William Turk 

Purser John B. Timberlake 

Chaplain John McCarty 

The Constitution arrived at Gibraltar November 24. 
The Commodore was the senior officer on the station 
and by virtue of his rank was in command of the 
United States naval force in the Mediterranean, con- 
sisting of the flagship and the Cyane, Ontario and 
Erie. On this cruise he took with him his son Augustus 
Rodney, named after his friend Caesar Augustus Rod- 
ney of Delaware. In December the Navy Depart- 
ment decided to appoint Commodore John Rodgers 
to the command of the Mediterranean squadron, and 
that officer accordingly sailed from Hampton Roads 
March 28, 1825, in the North Carolina, arriving at 1825 
Gibraltar April 29. 

It was now evident that the malady against which 
Macdonough had fought with so much courage and 
patience must soon terminate fatally. With the inner 
realization that his recovery was hopeless and that his 
days were numbered there came a blow from without 
that was crushing in its effect — the death of his be- 
loved wife. In some way, I do not know how, the 
news that she had died reached the officers of the Con- 
stitution before it became known to the Commodore, 
and Lieutenant Tattnall was selected to impart the sad 
tidings to their commander. 



250 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

1825 Conscious that the sands of life would soon be run, 
oppressed by his great sorrow, and with an intense long- 
ing to see his native land once more before he died, he 
turned the Constitution over to Captain Daniel T. 
Patterson at Gibraltar October 14 and sailed for home 
in the merchant brig Edwin the 24th of the same month, 
accompanied by his son and Dr. Turk. But the wish 
to set foot again upon his native soil was denied him by 
One who doeth all things well, and on the 10th of No- 
vember, when the brig was some six hundred miles from 
port, his pure and noble spirit entered the haven of 
eternal rest. 

On the arrival of the Edwin at Philadelphia the fol- 
lowing letter was sent by Dr. Turk to Mrs. Shaler, 
Mrs. Macdonough's mother: 

DR. TURK TO MRS. SHALER 

Brig Edwin, River Delaware, Nov. 24, 1825. 

Dear Madam; The painful duty devolves upon me of 
informing you of the death of the late Commodore Thomas 
Macdonough, which took place about noon on Thursday the 
10th instant. We left Gibraltar on the 24th day of October, 
bound to New York, with a fair prospect of his reaching home 
alive, but He who rules the destinies of men has ordered it 
otherwise. We had favorable winds and weather until the 
day after his death and had made our passage across the At- 
lantic within six hundred miles when the most unpleasant 
weather set in, since which we have had to contend with the 
most boisterous weather with a succession of the most terrible 
gales, and were finally obliged to put into this port. 

Commodore Macdonough failed so fast a few days before 
his death as to be conscious himself that his end was approach- 
ing. I asked him if he had anything in particular to com- 
municate. He answered that he had not; that all his affairs 
were arranged; that he only wished me to make him as com- 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 251 

fortable as possible and that his death might be easy. In this 1825 
he had his wish, for I never witnessed a death before so per- 
fectly free from pain and distress. He fixed his eyes upon me 
with fortitude and composure and appeared to have fallen 
gently to sleep. 

The day but one before his death he desired me to draw up 
a paper leaving a small sum of money to his servant, William 
Green, which he signed in my presence. The servant above 
mentioned can never be sufficiently praised for his constant 
and faithful attention to his master's wants for the whole year 
that he was with him. 

The Commodore retained his faculties to the last and spoke 
to me rationally and intelligibly but a few moments before he 
expired. Anticipating the possibility of his dying on the pas- 
sage, he spoke of his aversion to being thrown into the sea and 
expressed a wish that his body should be taken home for inter- 
ment. I therefore made the necessary preparations and his 
remains are still on board with me. As it is my intention to 
proceed on to New York with them and Rodney (who is in 
good health) , I wish some relation of my deceased friend would 
meet me at New York, where such measures can be adopted 
respecting the further disposal of the body as will be most 
agreeable to you. 

I have not time, if it was even advisable, to offer you any 

consolation under your late bereavements. God is all wise 

and merciful and you are a Christian. Truly sympathizing 

with you in your distress, I am with esteem and respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. Turk. 

The Navy Department was also apprised by Dr. 
Turk of the Commodore's death and on the 26th of 
November the Secretary of the Navy sent the following 
order to commanders of navy yards, stations and squad- 
rons: " Sir; Captain Thomas Macdonough died on 
the 10th of this month off the Capes of Delaware on his 
return from active service in the Mediterranean. It is 



252 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1825 proper that a tribute of respect be paid to the memory 
of a man whose services were so useful to his country 
and who so eminently united in himself the best quali- 
ties of a citizen with the highest reputation as an officer. 
You will, therefore, on the day after receiving this 
order, cause the flag to be hoisted at half mast and 
thirteen minute guns to be fired at 12 o'clock; and you 
will direct the officers under your command to wear 
crape on the left arm for thirty days." In a report to 
the President a few days later the Secretary of the 
Navy said, referring to Macdonough's death: " His loss 
is deeply to be deplored both on account of the splendid 
services he has performed and the useful example of 
private and public worth which he exhibited to his 
brother officers." 

The Commodore's body reached New York on Sun- 
day the 27th and was placed on board the steam frigate 
Fulton First, which was lying off the navy yard. The 
common council met on Monday to arrange for the 
funeral and the city's tribute to the dead commander. 
At 10 o'clock on Thursday morning, the day appointed 
for the sad office of grateful affection and respect, the 
steamboat Washington left the navy yard with ten 
navy barges in tow. On the Washington were a de- 
tachment of marines and both the marine and the navy 
yard bands. The first barge contained the body, an 
officer, and twelve seamen ; in the next were the Com- 
modore's son, Augustus Rodney, and other relations, 
Commodore Chauncey and the chaplains; and in the 
remaining boats were officers of the navy and sailors. 
The bands on the Washington played the dead march 
and the barges kept up the minute strokes with muffled 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 253 

oars, although in tow. At the Battery the party was 1825 
received by the officers of the army and the procession 
proceeded up Broadway in the following order : — De- 
tachment of marines with arms reversed ; marine band 
with muffled drums; the body and the pall bearers 
(Captains G. Rogers, Finch, Shubrick, Leonard, W. 
Chauncey, Hoffman and Elliott) ; the Rev. Mr. Rut- 
ledge (the Commodore's brother-in-law) with Com- 
modore Chauncey and Macdonough's little son Augus- 
tus Rodney; sailors; officers of the navy in reverse 
order ; officers of the army in reverse order. 

On its arrival at City Hall the body was received with 
the highest military honors by a regiment of New York 
state artillery, and a detail of sturdy seamen bore the 
coffin into the common council chamber. The pro- 
cession was then reformed and moved to St. Paul's 
chapel in the following order : — Clergy ; detachment 
of marines with arms reversed ; marine band with muf- 
fled drums ; the body and the pall bearers (Captains G. 
Rogers, Finch, Shubrick, Leonard, W. Chauncey, Hoff- 
man and Elliott) ; the Rev. Mr. Rutledge with the 
Commodore's little son and Commodore Chauncey; 
sailors; officers of the navy in reverse order; com- 
mittee of the corporation with mourning scarfs ; Soci- 
ety of the Cincinnati with its time honored banner 
shrouded in black; officers of the army and of the 
state militia ; foreign consuls ; citizens. 

After the service at St. Paul's chapel, which was 
conducted by the Rev. Mr. Jones, chaplain at the navy 
yard, the march was continued to the foot of Fulton 
street, where the coffin was placed on board the steam- 
boat Commerce to be taken to Middletown. The 



254 LIFE O p COMMODORE THOMAS MACDOXOUGH 

1825 ceremonies ended with the firing of three volleys by 
the marines. The flags on the public buildings and on 
the shipping in the harbor were half masted during the 
entire day, minute guns were fired by detachments of 
artillery at City Hall park and the Battery, and bells 
were tolled during the march from City Hall to St. 
Paul's chapel and thence to the steamboat. A dull 
and lowering sky accentuated the solemnity of the 
occasion. 

The Commerce left New York Thursday afternoon, 
but as she was compelled to anchor during the night 
she did not reach Middletown until Saturday morn- 
ing December 3. The Rev. Mr. Rutledge, the Com- 
modore's son and Dr. Turk were on board. At 11 
o'clock in the morning minute guns were fired at the 
military academy corresponding in number with the 
age of the dead officer. At 1 o'clock the body was 
taken from the house to the Presbvterian church 
where the Episcopal service was read by the Rt. Rev. 
Thomas C. Brownell, D.D., Bishop of Connecticut, 
after which the funeral procession proceeded to 
Riverside cemetery in the following order : — Music ; 
military escort; physicians; clergy; coffin; mourners; 
officers of the navy; masters of vessels; officers of the 
army ; Masons ; officers of the militia and military com- 
panies ; judges of the supreme court ; mayor and cor- 
poration; civil authorities; officers and instructors of 
the military academy; cadets; citizens. 

As the procession moved slowly and reverently to- 
ward the cemetery the wailing of the dirge, the mourn- 
ful tolling of the muffled bells and the dull boom of the 
minute guns proclaimed a universal grief. The sen*- 




Monument over the Graves of Commodore Macdonough and his 
Wife in Riverside Cemetery, Middletown, Conn. 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 255 

ice at the grave was performed by Bishop Brownell. 1825 
The beautiful and solemn ritual of the Church was 
followed by three volleys of musketry and Macdonough 
was left to his last long sleep beside his devoted wife 
and in the soil he loved and fought for. A single 
monument marks the two graves and bears these 
inscriptions : 

Sacred 
to the memory of 
Com. Thomas Macdonough 
of the U. S. Navy. 
He was born in the State of Del- 
aware Dec. 1783, & died at sea of 

pulmonary consumption while 
on his return from the command 
of the American Squadron in the 
Mediterranean on the 10 Nov. 1825. 
He was distinguished in the world 
as the Hero of Lake Champlain; in 
the Church of Christ as a faithful, zealous 
and consistent Christian ; in the com- 
munity where he resided when absent 
from professional duties as an amiable, 
upright and valuable citizen. 



Sacred 

to the memory of 

Mrs. Lucy Ann, 

Wife of 

Com. Thomas Macdonough 

& daughter of 

Nathaniel & Lucy Ann Shaler. 

The richest gifts of Nature & of Grace 

adorned her mind & heart, & at her 

death Genius, Friendship & Piety 

mourned their common loss. 



.'5- LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

She led her husband to the realms 

-; only a few short months, having 
departed this life Aug. o. iS;;. &. 35 

They were lovely and | sant in their live^ 
and in their dea: led. 






CHAPTER XV 

Macdonough's death in the prime of life — His personal appearance — 
A Federalist in politics — A glimpse of his private life — A valuable citizen, a 
consistent Christian, an able officer. 

Commodore Macdonough died at the early age of 
forty-one. There is something inexpressibly sad in the 
cutting short of a young and active life. One is apt 
to feel that fruitful as may have been the promises of 
earlier years, their fruition was but an earnest of a 
broader, richer, fuller life to come. He so improved 
the opportunities which came to him of displaying his 
usefulness as a citizen and his ability as an officer that 
one cannot but regret that it was not given him 
to apply the mature experience of riper years to the 
responsibilities of private and official life. 

In person Commodore Macdonough was tall, digni- 
fied and commanding His features were regular and 
pleasing. His hair and complexion were light and his 
eyes were blue, but the firmness and steadfastness of 
his look took away all appearance of the want of vir- 
ile, masculine energy which is often associated with a 
delicate complexion. His early country training gave 
him an active, vigorous frame, easily capable of en- 
during not only the many hard knocks which were the 
ordinary lot of a midshipman, but also the rigorous 
duties imposed later by the exigencies of his profes- 
sion. The trying conditions of the service on Lake 
Champlain proved too much for him, however, and 
were directly responsible for his early death. 

257 



258 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

In politics he was a Federalist. He was born in a 
Federal state, Delaware, but he was too young to form 
any political opinions before he left there. During 
his first nine years of service he was almost constantly 
on active sea duty, more than half that time in foreign 
waters, and although it is possible yet it is hardly 
likely that during that period he paid much attention 
to party affairs. In the latter part of 1809 he was 
ordered to Connecticut, where he spent a large portion 
of the next two years and a half. Connecticut was 
strongly Federal and it was there he probably became 
imbued with the principles of that party. But what- 
ever his political affiliations were he did not permit 
them to interfere with either his duty as an officer or 
his personal and official relations with his fellows. In 
a letter written at Hartford, probably before the battle 
on Lake Champlain, by Bishop Chase's son George to 
his cousin Intrepid Morse is the curious passage : ' The 

gallant Com. McD was confirmed with us 

two or three years since. Perhaps you do not remem- 
ber him, as his utmost exertions had procured him 
little celebrity on the lake. The Secretary of the 
Navy is his bitterest enemy merely because he is a 
Federalist. Such conduct ought at once to displace 
him from office. * * * His bravery is needless for me 
to mention. He has proved it by the most glorious 
actions." The Commodore was intimately acquainted 
with the Chase family and it is barely possible that his 
young friend George Chase knew of some real or fan- 
cied grievance due to political animosity, but it is 
much more likely that his denunciation of the Secre- 
tary of the Navy was due to youthful imagination or 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 259 

exaggeration. There is nothing in the Commodore's 
official or private correspondence to indicate that his 
relations with the head of the Navy Department at 
this time were not entirely cordial. 

It is to be regretted that so few of the Commodore's 
personal letters have been preserved for they would 
doubtless have added considerably to our knowledge 
of his character and would have revealed much of 
interest in his private life. Among the few letters 
which remain are two written in 1822 to his sister 
Lydia in Delaware. To her he wrote with the utmost 
freedom, as might be expected of a brother, express- 
ing the most affectionate interest in the welfare of his 
sisters and brothers and particularly of his orphan 
nephews and nieces, inquiring as to the needs of the 
latter and offering to assist them out of his own means. 
" I have now and then a hundred dollars or so to spare 
if I could apply it to the advantage of my nieces and 
nephews ", he writes, " but as I consider it necessary 
that the latter will be obliged to learn trades, would it 
not be proper to let them persevere in habits of indus- 
try which is proper in all situations in life, and when 
out of their apprenticeship some little to help them to 
set up in business might do well. * * * It may be 
supposed that I am a man of large property, but I am 
not. My expenses are necessarily great, and if I edu- 
cate my children well not much will be left to them. 
Still, as I said before, I can spare a little to better the 
condition (it may be) of my little nieces and nephews." 

One boy, James Thomas, the son of his brother 
Samuel, he brought up from Delaware and practically 
adopted. ' He is now at the best academy in the 



260 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

state ", he wrote his sister, " and is treated in all re- 
spects like my own children." The Commodore had 
no sympathy with idleness or idlers. Lydia wrote 
him that another nephew, Thomas Pennington, whom 
she described as not over fond of work, had left Dela- 
ware with the intention of seeking his uncle and asking 
assistance. " Thos. Pennington has not come here ", 
the Commodore replied. " I have seen or heard noth- 
ing of him. If he does come I shall take such measures 
with him as he will little expect." 

He called Middletown his home, and although his 
duties necessitated frequent absences he apparently 
took as lively an interest in the welfare of the com- 
munity as did those whose lives were spent within its 
borders. No plan which promised to promote the 
social, civil or religious interests of his fellow towns- 
men was without his sympathy and support. His 
charity was broad and catholic and of his own he gave 
generously. He entered freely into the life around 
him and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship 
were discharged as conscientiously as were those of 
his profession. He was the soul of honor and punctili- 
ous in the discharge of every social and moral duty. 

Prior to 1814 Macdonough's name was comparatively 
unknown outside the navy. His brilliant services 
in that year, however, gained him a national repu- 
tation and made his name a household word. Cities 
and states crowned him with honors, and Congress tes- 
tified its appreciation of his gallant achievement. A 
mind more easily influenced might readily have been 
affected by the incense of admiration and the subtle 
flattery of public applause, but these left him as modest 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 261 

and unassuming as before. While he was profoundly 
grateful for every mark of confidence and esteem, he 
considered that he had only done his duty and that any 
expression of gratitude was wholly unmerited. 

One of Macdonough's strongest characteristics was a 
sincere belief in the teaching of the Episcopal Church. 
The development of his religious feeling began at 
his mother's knee. External influences during the 
years which immediately followed his entrance into 
the service were not particularly conducive to spiritual 
growth. The atmosphere which he found at Mid- 
dletown, however, was of an entirely different char- 
acter. Not only his wife's family but also their 
friends, who became his friends as well, were members 
of the Church and had been for years. The daily com- 
panionship of those he loved and familiar intercourse 
with those whose characters he admired and respected 
soon had their effect upon a nature peculiarly respon- 
sive to religious impressions. It needed only the in- 
fluences which there surrounded him to quicken the 
seed sown in earlier years and bring it to maturity. 
He was confirmed at the age of twenty-nine by that 
faithful servant of the Church, Bishop Chase. 

The Commodore's religion was an essential part of 
his character. It was not a garment to be assumed 
or cast aside as taste or convenience dictated. It was 
unostentatious and unobtrusive. It was wholly per- 
sonal and had more to do with his own heart than 
with the conduct of others. He regulated his own 
affairs by the dictates of his conscience and endeav- 
ored to influence other lives by the purity of his own. 
His faith was that of a little child, simple and trusting. 



262 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

His motto might have been that of the Scottish patriot 
— "God Armeth Me" — for his confidence in the 
Almighty Power to save in peace or war never wav- 
ered. The most beautiful act of his life, an act which 
showed him true to himself and true to his God, was 
at that supreme moment when, on the deck of the Sar- 
atoga, he publicly proclaimed Christ before men and 
invoked his aid in the coming battle. 

Macdonough is best known to the world as an officer 
in the navy of the United States. He combined the 
qualities most necessary to a successful commander 
and his professional reputation was of the highest. 
Two instances have already been mentioned of his 
popularity with his crews, once when the crew of the 
Essex wrote him a letter and again when the crew of 
the Guerriere presented him with a sword. He was 
kind to his men, regardful of their comfort, and en- 
deavored to promote their general welfare in every 
way. " He was remarkable ", writes a contempo- 
rary, " for the mildness of his manners and yet peculiar 
for his enforcement of discipline." These qualities 
endeared him to his brother officers as well as to his 
men. Those who served under him once were anx- 
ious to serve under him again. Among his private 
papers are many letters from commissioned, warrant 
and petty officers asking for assignments to duty under 
his command. 

His officers were greatly attached to him. Lieuten- 
ant Sidney Smith, who was in charge of the Growler and 
Eagle when they were captured in the Richelieu River 
in 1813 and who was afterward exchanged, wrote to 
him later regarding a court of inquiry on their loss 



LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 263 

and signed himself 'from a friend that loves you." 
There are many other instances of this feeling of per- 
sonal affection inspired by the Commodore in those 
surrounding him. He possessed, in a high degree, that 
fine chivalric courtesy associated with noble lives and 
noble deeds — the courtesy which prompted his toast 
" The memory of Commodore Downie, our brave 
enemy." 

Prior to 1 8 1 2 he had performed the usual duties of a 
naval officer in time of peace, had seen a little service 
in the quasi war with France, and had been in the 
thick of the hot work before Tripoli. During these 
years he acquired a vast amount of practical and theo- 
retical knowledge pertaining to his profession and 
when he was ordered to Lake Champlain he was in 
every way fitted for an independent command. The 
gradual development of the situation on that lake 
called into prominent activity all his resources as an 
officer. If a thing was to be done, he saw that it was 
done at once and done well. If necessity required he 
was not above lending a helping hand himself. He 
worked shoulder to shoulder with his men in preparing 
the first little squadron for service. His patience, 
perseverance and tireless energy enabled him to col- 
lect, man and equip his vessels in the face of the most 
discouraging conditions, and his superb self reliance, 
forethought and tactical skill gained him the victory 
over a " confident, vigorous and powerful foe." Tak- 
ing into consideration all the circumstances attending 
the action, the defeat of the British squadron stamped 
him as one of the ablest officers of his time. Roose- 
velt's estimate of the Commodore's qualities as an 



264 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

officer is summed up in the following words: ' Down 
to the time of the Civil War he is the greatest figure in 
our naval history. A thoroughly religious man, he 
was as generous and humane as he was skillful and 
brave. One of the greatest of our sea captains, he has 
left a stainless name behind him." 

During his twenty-five years of naval life Macdon- 
ough conscientiously discharged every obligation im- 
posed upon him by his commission. The written 
laws of the service and the unwritten laws of naval cus- 
tom and usage were scrupulously observed. Afloat 
or ashore, at home or abroad, he was faithful to the 
interests committed to his care. He served his coun- 
try with a single heart and gallantly upheld the repu- 
tation of the service and the honor of the flag. 



APPENDIX 

A 

The opinion of the Court of Inquiry held at Sack- 
ett's Harbor, on board the U. S. Brig Jones, April 4, 
1815. 

The Court are unanimously of opinion that the general con- 
duct of Lieutenant Sidney Smith on Lake Champlain was 
correct and meritorious. The Court are further of opinion that 
the sloops Growler and Eagle were lost in consequence of their 
being taken too far below the lines in a narrow channel where 
there was not room for them to work and where they were ex- 
posed to musketry from the shore. The Court, however, tak- 
ing into consideration the practicability of a successful attack 
by the enemy on the sloops while lying at anchor at Champlain 
and badly manned, the assurance of Captain Herrick that his 
company would be withdrawn the next day, and being satis- 
fied by the testimony that Lieutenant Smith was deceived by 
his pilot, are of opinion that the sloops Growler and Eagle, 
when attacked by a superior force, were gallantly defended 
and that they were not surrendered until all further resistance 
had become vain. 

Melancthon T. Woolsey, 

President. 
Approved, Samuel Livermore, 

B. W. Crowninshield. Judge Advocate. 

B 

Report relating to the battle on Lake Champlain 
September 11, 1814, received from Commodore Mac- 
donough and transmitted by the Secretary of the Navy 
to the Chairman of the Senate Naval Committee. 

265 



266 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

Navy Department, October 3, 1814. 

Sir; In compliance with your request I have now the 
honor to enclose copies of all the documents received from 
Captain Macdonough in relation to the brilliant and extraor- 
dinary victory achieved by the United States squadron under 
his command over that of the enemy in Plattsburg Bay, on 
Lake Champlain. 

This action, like that of its prototype on Lake Erie, cannot 
be portrayed in language corresponding with the universal and 
just admiration inspired by the exalted prowess, consummate 
skill, and cool, persevering intrepidity, which will ever distin- 
guish this splendid and memorable event. 

This, like those brilliant naval victories which preceded it, 
has its peculiar features which mark it with a distinct charac- 
ter. It was fought at anchor. The firm, compact and well 
formed line ; the preparations for all the evolutions of which 
the situation was susceptible ; and the adroitness and decisive 
effect with which they were performed in the heat of battle 
mark no less the judgment which planned than the valor and 
skill displayed in the execution. 

All these are heightened by the contemplation of a vigorous 
and greatly superior foe moving down upon this line in his own 
time, selecting his position and choosing his distance, animated 
by the proximity of a powerful army in co-operation and stim- 
ulated by the settled confidence of victory. 

To view it in abstract, it is not surpassed by any naval vic- 
tory on record. To appreciate its result, it is perhaps one of 
the most important events in the history of our country. 

That it will be justly estimated and the victors duly honored 
by the councils of the nation, the justice and liberality hitherto 
displayed on similar occasions is a sufficient pledge. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obe- 
dient servant, 

W. Jones. 

The Hon. Charles Tate, 

Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate. 



APPENDIX 267 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, 
Off Plattsburg, September nth, 1814. 
Sir; The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal 
victory on Lake Champlain in the capture of one frigate, one 
brig and two sloops of war of the enemy. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, sir, your 

obt. servt 

T. Macdonough, Com'g 

Honble W. Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, at anchor 
off Plattsburg, September 13th, 1814. 
Sir; By Lieut. Commt. Cassin I have the honor to con- 
vey to you the flags of his Britannic Majesty's late squadron 
captured on the nth inst. by the United States squadron 
under my command. Also my despatches relating to that 
occurrence, which should have been in 3^our possession at an 
earlier period but for the difficulty in arranging the different 
statements. 

The squadron under my command now lies at Plattsburg. 
It will bear of considerable diminution and leave a force suffi- 
cient to repel any attempt of the enemy in this quarter. I 
shall wait your order what to do with the whole or any part 
thereof, and should it be consistent, I beg you will favor me 
with permission to leave the lake and place me under the com- 
mand of Commodore Decatur at New York. My health 
(being some time on the lake) together with the almost cer- 
tain inactivity of future naval operations here are among the 
causes for this request of my removal. 

I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect yr mot ob't st 

T. Macdonough. 
Honble Wm. Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, 
Plattsburg Bay, Sept. 13th, 1814. 
Sir; I have the honor to give you the particulars of the 
action which took place on the nth inst. on this lake. 



268 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

For several days the enemy were on their way to Platts- 
burg by land and water, and it being well understood that an 
attack would be made at the same time by their land and 
naval forces, I determined to await at anchor the approach of 
the latter. 

At 8 a.m. the lookout boat announced the approach of the 
enemy. At 9 he anchored in a line ahead at about 300 yards 
distance from my line, his ship opposed to the Saratoga, his 
brig to the Eagle, Capt. Robt. Henley, his galleys, thirteen 
in number, to the schooner, sloop and a division of our galleys, 
one of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the other assist- 
ing their galleys. Our remaining galleys with the Saratoga 
and Eagle. In this situation the whole force on both sides 
became engaged, the Saratoga suffering much from the heavy 
fire of the Confiance. I could perceive at the same time, how- 
ever, that our fire was very destructive to her. The Ticon- 
deroga, Lt. Commt. Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share 
of the action. At £ 10 the Eagle, not being able to bring her 
guns to bear, cut her cable and anchored in a more eligible 
position between my ship and the Ticonderoga, where she very 
much annoyed the enemy but unfortunately leaving me ex- 
posed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. Our guns on 
the starboard side being nearly all dismounted or not manage- 
able, a stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut and the 
ship winded with a fresh broadside on the enemy's ship, which 
soon after surrendered. Our broadside was then sprung to 
bear on the brig, which surrendered in about fifteen minutes 
after. 

The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle had struck some 
time before and drifted down the line, the sloop which was 
with their galleys having struck also. Three of their galleys 
are said to be sunk; the others pulled off. Our galleys were 
about obeying with alacrity the signal to follow them when all 
the vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking state. It 
then became necessary to annul the signal to the galleys and 
order their men to the pumps. I could only look at the enemy's 
galleys going off in a shattered condition, for there was not a 
mast in either squadron that could stand to make sail on ; the 



APPENDIX 269 

lower rigging, being nearly all shot away, hung down as though 
it had been just placed over the mast heads. 

The Saratoga had fifty -five round shot in her hull; the 
Confiance one hundred and five. The enemy's shot passed 
principally just over our heads, as there were not 20 whole ham- 
mocks in the nettings at the close of the action which lasted, 
without intermission, two hours and twenty minutes. 

The absence and sickness of Lt. Raymond Perry left me 
without the services of that excellent officer. Much ought 
fairly to be attributed to him for his great care and attention 
in disciplining the ship's crew as her first lieutenant. His 
place was filled by a gallant young officer, Lt. Peter Gamble, 
who, I regret to inform you, was killed early in the action. 
Acting Lt. Vallette worked the 1st and 2nd divisions of guns 
with able effect. Sailing Master Brum's attention to the 
springs and in the execution of the order to wind the ship and 
occasionally at the guns meets with my entire approbation; 
also Capt. Youngs, commanding the acting marines, who took 
his men to the guns. Mr. Beale, purser, was of great service at 
the guns and in carrying my orders throughout the ship, with 
Midshipman Montgomery. Master's Mate Joshua Justin had 
command of the 3d division. His conduct during the action 
was that of a brave and correct officer. Midshipmen Monteath, 
Graham, Williamson, Piatt, Thwing, and acting Midshipman 
Baldwin, all behaved well and gave evidence of their making 
valuable officers. 

The Saratoga was twice set on fire by hot shot from the 
enemy's ship.* 

I close, sir, this communication with feelings of gratitude 
for the able support I received from every officer and man 
attached to the squadron which I have the honor to command. 

I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, yr mot ob st. 

T. Macdonough. 
Honble Wm. Jones, 

Secretary of the Navy. 



* In the original draft of the report this paragraph is in the Commodore's own 
hand writing. — Author. 



270 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

P.S. Accompanying this is a list of killed and wounded, a list 
of prisoners, and a precise statement of both forces engaged. 
Also letters from Capt. Henley and Lieut. Commt. Cassin. 

T. Macdonough. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, 

Sept. 13, 1814. 

Sir; I have the honor to enclose you a list of the killed 
and wounded on board the different vessels of the squadron 
under your command in the action of the nth instant. 

It is impossible to ascertain correctly the loss of the enemy. 
From the best information received from the British officers, 
from my own observations, and from various lists found on 
board the Confiance, I calculate the number of men on board 
of that ship at the commencement of the action at 270, of 
whom 180, at least, were killed and wounded; and on board the 
other captured vessels at least 80 more, making in the whole, 
killed or wounded, 260. This is doubtless short of the real 
number as many were thrown overboard from the Confiance 
during the engagement. 

The muster books must have been thrown overboard, or 
otherwise disposed of, as they are not to be found. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your ob. servant, 

Geo. Beale, Jr., purser. 
Thomas Macdonough, Esq., 

Com. U. S. Squadron on Lake Champlain. 

Return of killed and wounded on board the United States 
squadron on Lake Champlain in the engagement with the 
British fleet on the nth of September, 1814. 

Ship Saratoga 

KILLED 

Peter Gamble lieutenant 

Thomas Butler quarter gunner 

James Norberry boatswain's mate 

Abraham Davis quartermaster 

William Wyer sailmaker 



APPENDIX 



271 



William Brickel 
Peter Johnson 
John Coleman 
Benjamin Burr ill 
Andrew Parmlee 
Peter Post 
David Bennett 
Ebenezer Johnson 
Joseph Couch 
Thomas Stephens 
Randall McDonald 
John White 
Samuel Smith 
Thomas Malony 
Andrew Nelson 
John Sellack 
Peter Hanson 
Jacob Laraway 
Edward Moore 
Jerome Williams 
James Carlisle 
John Smart 
Earl Hannemon 



seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

ordinary seaman 

ordinary seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

landsman 

seaman 

ordinary seaman 

ordinary seaman 

seaman 

ordinary seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

ordinary seaman 

marine 

seaman 

seaman 



Total 28 



WOUNDED 



James M. Baldwin 
Joseph Barron 
Robert Gary 
George Cassin 
John Hollingsworth 
Thomas Robinson 
Purnall Smith 
John Ottiwell 
John Thompson 
William Tabee 
William Williams 
John Roberson 



acting midshipman 

pilot 

quarter gunner 

quartermaster 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

ordinary seaman 

ordinary seaman 

ordinary seaman 

seaman 



272 



LIFE OF COMMODORE 


THOMAS MACDONOUGH 


John Towns 


landsman 


John Shays 


seaman 


John S. Hammond 


seaman 


James Barlow 


seaman 


James Nagle 


ordinary seaman 


John Lanman 


seaman 


Peter Colberg 


seaman 


William Newton 


ordinary seaman 


Neil J. Heidmont 


seaman 


James Steward 


seaman 


John Adams 


landsman 


Charles Ratche 


seaman 


Benjamin Jackson 


marine 


Jesse Vanhorn 


marine 


Joseph Ketter 


marine 


Samuel Pearson 


marine 

Tot; 


Brig 


Eagle 


KILLED 


Peter Vandermere 


master's mate 


John Ribero 


seaman 


Jacob Lindman 


seaman 


Perkins Moore 


ordinary seaman 


James Winship 


ordinary seaman 


Thomas Anwright 


ordinary seaman 


Nace Wilson 


ordinary seaman 


Thomas Lewis 


boy 


John Wallace 


marine 


Joseph Heaton 


marine 


Robert Stratton 


marine 


James M. Hale 


musician 


John Wood 


musician 

Tnr: 


WOUNDED 


Joseph Smith 


lieutenant 


William A. Spencer 


acting lieutenant 



13 



* In the original, either a name is omitted or the total is wrong. — Author. 



APPENDIX 



273 



Francis Breese 
Abraham Walters 
William C. Allen 
James Dervick 
Andrew McEwen 
Zebediah Concklin 
Joseph Valentine 
John Hartley- 
John Micklan 
Robert Buckley 
Aaron Fitzgerald 
Purnall Boice 
John N. Craig 
John McKenny 
Matthew Scriver 
George Mainwaring 
Henry Jones 
John McCarty 



master's mate 

pilot 

quartermaster 

quarter gunner 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

boy 

ordinary seaman 

seaman 

seaman 

marine 

marine 

marine 

marine 



Total 20 



Schooner Ticonderoga 



John Stansbury 
John Fisher 
John Atkinson 
Henry Johnson 
Deodrick Think 
John Sharp 



KILLED 



lieutenant 
boatswain's mate 
boatswain's mate 
seaman 
marine 
marine 



Total 6 



WOUNDED 



Patrick Cassin 
Ezekiel Goud 
Samuel Sawyer 
William Le Count 
Henry Collin 
John Condon 



seaman 
seaman 
seaman 
seaman 
seaman 
marine 



Total 6 



2 74 LIFE 0F COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

Sloop Preble 

killed 

Rogers Carter acting sailing master 

Joseph Rowe boatswain's mate 

WOUNDED 

None 

Gunboat Borer 

killed 

Arthur W. Smith purser's steward 

Thomas Gill boy 

James Day marine 

WOUNDED 

Ebenezer Cobb corporal of marines 

Gunboat Centipede 

WOUNDED 

James Taylor landsman 





Gunboat 


Wilmer 






wounded 




Peter Frank 




seaman 






Recapitulation 








Killed 


Wounded 


Saratoga 




28 


20 


Eagle 




1 3 


20 


Ticonderoga 




6 


6 


Preble 




2 




Borer 




3 


1 


Centipede 






1 


Wilmer 






1 



52 58 



APPENDIX 



275 



Gunboats 
Nettle 
Allen 
Viper 
Burrows 
Ludlow 
Alwyn 
Ballard 

Approved : 

T. Macdonough. 



none killed or wounded 



George Beale, Jr., purser. 



List of prisoners captured on nth September and sent to 
Greenbush. 





Officers 


Daniel Pring * 


captain 


Hicks 


lieutenant 


Creswick 


lieutenant 


Robertson 


lieutenant 


McGhie 


lieutenant 


Drew 


lieutenant 


Hornsby 


lieutenant 


Childs ' 


lieutenant marines 


Fitzpatrick 


lieutenant 39th regiment 


Bryden 


sailing master 


Clark 


master's mate 


Simmonds 


master's mate 


Todd 


surgeon 


Giles 


purser 


Guy 


captain's clerk 


Dowell 


midshipman 


Aire 


midshipman 


Bondell 


midshipman 


Toorke 


midshipman 


Kewstra 


midshipman 


*JOn parole. 





276 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



Davidson 


boatswain 


Elvin 


gunner 


Mickel 


gunner 


Cox 


carpenter 


Parker 


purser 


Martin 


surgeon 


McCabe 


assistant surgeon 


340 seamen 




47 wounded men paroled 



Statement of the American force engaged on the nth 
September, 18 14. 



Saratoga 


8 long 24-pounders 
6 4 2 -pound carronades 








12 3 2 -pound carronades 


Guns 


26 


Eagle 


12 32-pound carronades 








8 long 18-pounders 




20 


Ticonderoga 


8 long 12-pounders 
4 long 18-pounders 








5 32-pound carronades 




17 


Preble 


7 long 9-pounders 

Ten Galleys, viz.: 




7 


Allen 


1 long 24-pr & 1 18-pound 


columbiad 


2 


Burrows 


1 long 24-pr & 1 18-pound columbiad 


2 


Borer 


1 long 24-pr & 1 18-pound columbiad 


2 


Nettle 


1 long 24-pr & 1 18-pound 


columbiad 


2 


Viper 


1 long 24-pr & 1 18-pound 


columbiad 


2 


Centipede 


1 long 24-pr & 1 18-pound 


columbiad 


2 


Ludlow 


1 long 1 2 -pounder 




1 


Wilmer 


1 long 12-pounder 




1 


Alwyn 


1 long 12-pounder 




1 


Ballard 


1 long 12-pounder 




1 






Guns 


86 



APPENDIX 



277 



Recapitulation 

14 long 24-pounders 

6 42-pound carronades 
29 3 2 -pound carronades 
12 long 18-pounders 

12 long 1 2 -pounders 

7 long 9-pounders 

6 18-pound columbiads 



Total 86 guns 



T. Macdonough. 



Statement of the enemy's force engaged on the nth 
September, 18 14. 



Frigate Confiance 



Brig Linnet 
Sloop Chub * 



Finch * 



27 long 24-pounders 
4 3 2 -pound carronades 
6 24-pound carronades 
2 long 18's on berth deck 
16 long 12-pounders 
10 18-pound carronades 
1 long 6-pounder 
6 18-pound carronades 
1 18-pound columbiad 
4 long 6-pounders 



Guns 39 
16 



11 



11 



Sir James Yeo 


1 


Sir George Prevost 


1 


Sir Sidney Beckwith 


1 


Broke 


1 


Murray 


1 


Wellington 


1 


Tecumseh 


1 


Name unknown 


1 


Drummond 


1 


Simcoe 


1 



Thirteen Galleys, viz., 

long 24-pr & 1 32-pd carronade 
long 24-pr & 1 32-pd carronade 
long 24-pr & 1 32-pd carronade 
long 18-pr & 1 32-pd carronade 
long 18-pr & 1 18-pd carronade 
long 18-pounder 
long 18-pounder 
long 18-pounder 
32-pound carronade 
3 2 -pound carronade 



* These sloops were formerly the United States Growler and Eagle. 



278 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

Unknown 1 3 2 -pound carronade 1 

Unknown 1 3 2 -pound carronade 1 

Unknown 1 3 2 -pound carronade 1 

Total * 95 
Recapitulation 

30 long 24-pounders 
7 long 18-pounders 

16 long 12-pounders 

5 long 6-pounders 

13 3 2 -pound carronades 

6 24-pound carronades 

17 18-pound carronades 
1 18-pound columbiad 

Total 95 guns 

T. Macdonough. 



U. States Brig Eagle, 
Plattsburg, September 12th, 1814. 
Sir; I am happy to inform you that all my officers and 
men acted bravely and did their duty in the battle of yester- 
day with the enemy. 

I shall have the pleasure of making a more particular repre- 
sentation of the respective merits of my gallant officers to the 
Honorable the Sec'y of the Navy. 

I have the honor to be respectfully, sir, yr mo obt st, 

Ro: Henley. 

P.S. We had thirty-nine round shot in our hull (mostly 24- 
pounders), four in our lower masts, and we were well pep- 
pered with grape. I enclose my boatswain's report. 

* The two long 1 8-pounders found on the Confiance were unmounted and 
should not be properly included in her armament. Deducting these two guns and 
one gun for the extra gunboat we have ninety-two guns as the correct British total. 
— Author. 



APPENDIX 279 

U. S. Schooner Ticonderoga, 
Plattsburg Bay, Sept. 12th, 1814. 
Sir; It is with pleasure I state that every officer and man 
under my command did their duty yesterday. 

Yours resp'y, 

Stephen Cassin, 
Com, Thos. Macdonough. Lieut. Comdt- 

United States Ship Saratoga, 
September 15, 1814, off Plattsburg. 
Sir; As Providence has given into my command the 
squadron on Lake Champlain of which you were (after the fall 
of Captain Downie) the commanding officer, I beg you will, 
after the able conflict you sustained and evidence of deter- 
mined valor you evinced on board his Britannic Majesty's 
brig Linnet, until the necessity of her surrender, accept of your 
enclosed parole not to serve against the United States or their 
dependencies until regularly exchanged. 

I am, &c. &c. 



To Captain Pring, Royal Navy. 



T. Macdonough 



Other documents relating to the battle on Lake 
Champlain September 11, 1814. 

MASTER COMMANDANT HENLEY TO SECRETARY OF 

THE NAVY* 

U. S. Brig Eagle off Plattsburg, 
September 16, 1814. 
Sir; I beg leave to acquaint you with a few particulars of 
the action of the nth instant as they particularly respect the 
vessel which I have the honor to command and they may not 
appear in the official report of Captain Macdonough, whose 
duty it is to give a general and impartial representation of the 
action. 

* Copy of the original. 



280 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

We were anchored in the harbor of Plattsburg in a line 
north and south, at about the distance of one hundred yards, 
the Eagle north, the Saratoga in the centre, and the Ticon- 
deroga south. The enemy approached in a line abreast, hav- 
ing a favourable wind that enabled them to choose their posi- 
tion. The enemy's brig took a station off the starboard bow of 
the Eagle at about one mile distance, the ship about one point 
abaft our beam, and the sloop Linnet*, of n guns, made an 
effort to obtain a raking position under our stern. Perceiving 
her intentions, however, I ordered a broadside to be fired into 
her, which caused her to strike her colors. 

As soon as the enemy approached within point blank dis- 
tance, this brig commenced a most destructive fire upon their 
ship and continued to direct her whole broadside, excluding 
the 1 8 pounders forward, which were occasionally fired at the 
brig, who relieved her position as occasion required and kept 
up a raking and most destructive fire upon this vessel. 

I was confident that it was of the greatest importance to 
endeavor first to carry the enemy's ship to insure us of suc- 
cess. For a great length of time after the action commenced 
the enemy's ship leveled her whole force upon the Eagle, deal- 
ing out destruction. 

After having sustained the severest of the action for the 
space of one hour, having my springs shot away and many of 
the starboard guns disabled, it was out of my power to bring a 
gun to bear upon the ship or brig. Consequently I ordered the 
cable cut and cast the brig, taking an advantageous position a 
little south of the Saratoga, bringing my larboard broadside 
to bear upon the ship, which was very shortly obligated to 
haul down her colours. Our fire was then directed to the brig, 
and in the space of eight minutes she struck and the victory 
terminated in our favor. We then turned our attention to the 
galleys, some of which, it is believed, sunk, and the remainder 
made their escape. The Eagle was in too shattered a condition 
to pursue them. 

I enclose the surgeon's report of the killed and wounded, 
by which you will perceive that I had thirteen killed and 

* Meaning, of course, the Chub. — Author. 



APPENDIX 281 

twenty-seven wounded, most of them severely. I have also 
the honor to enclose a copy of a report which I made to Cap- 
tain Macdonough, for your information, of the meritorious 
conduct of my officers and crew which he has since informed 
me had been lost. 

I have the honor to be, sir, with high respect, your obed. 
ser. 

Ro: Henley. 
Hon. William Jones, 

Sec. of the Navy. 

MASTER COMMANDANT HENLEY TO MACDONOUGH * 
[Copy of the report referred to] 

U. S. Brig Eagle, off Plattsburg, 
Sep. 12th, 1814. 

Sir; I have the honor to enclose a report of the killed and 
wounded on board of the brig Eagle under my command, in the 
action of yesterday. And while performing this painful part 
of my duty, sir, permit me to profit by the occasion in per- 
forming a more gratifying task to you, for the information of 
the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, the brave and good conduct 
of my officers and crew, all of whom, I am proud to say, did 
their duty. They all performed the part of real Americans. 
During the severest shock of the action they continued un- 
daunted and unshaken. Nothing could surpass their coolness 
and deliberate firmness with which every officer and man per- 
formed his respective part. 

Early in the action I was deprived of services of that excel- 
lent officer Lieut. Joseph Smith, who was wounded and carried 
below but returned to his duty before the action closed. He 
went into action in that cool and deliberate manner which 
marks the truly brave man. 

The gallant acting Lieut. Wm. A. Spencer shortly after re- 
ceived a severe wound in the head and was also carried below, 
but before the action ceased he resumed his station. 

Acting Sailing Master Daniel Record was slightly wounded 

* From Henley's copy in the Navy Department files. 



282 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

but did not leave the deck. Acting Lieut. Jarvis Loomis, Mid- 
shipmen Chamberlain, Machesney and Tardy behaved with 
great spirit. In short, sir, every officer and man acted bravely 
and much to my satisfaction. 

The zealous and able attention of acting Surgeon Israel 
Stoddard to the unfortunate officers and men that were 
wounded entitles him to my warmest thanks, and I should be 
much gratified to see him rewarded by an appointment as 
surgeon in the navy. 

Mr. Augustus Loomis, a volunteer, was very active and 
useful, and through you I beg leave to recommend him to the 
consideration of the Hon. Secretary for a lieutenantcy of 
marines, and earnestly request that acting Lieuts. Spencer and 
Loomis may be confirmed in their appointments. 

Mr. Record, who I appointed acting sailing master at Ver- 

gennes, has proved himself a good and faithful officer, and if it 

should please the Hon. Secretary to confirm his appointment 

I should be much gratified. Also Messrs. Edward Smith as 

gunner, Charles Johnson as carpenter, and John Wilson as 

boatswain. They behaved well and are worthy of warrants 

in the navy. 

Respectfully your obed. ser. 

Ro: Henley. 

LIEUTENANT BUDD TO MACDONOUGH 

U. S. Sloop Preble off Plattsburg, 
13th Septr. 1 8 14 
Sir; I have the honor to express to you the satisfaction 
which the officers and men of the U. S. Sloop Preble under my 
command afforded me in the late action of the nth inst. 
When the enemy's fleet were standing in for the purpose of 
laying their larger vessels alongside of those of ours, the sloop 
Finch of 1 1 guns with several galleys outside of her made for 
my sloop with her peak down and tack triced up. When 
within shot the fire was opened on her from the Preble with 
coolness and deliberation, the galleys having taken in their 
sails and lying at long gun shot. The Finch continued edg- 
ing down on my starboard quarter with an intention of getting 



APPENDIX 283 

a raking position which I prevented with my spring, which 
proving too short in consequence of the wind having shifted 
2 or 3 points more to the Eastwd, was obliged to let it go en- 
tirely and keep her broadside to bear with 2 sweeps out of her 
stern ports. About this time my boatswain Joseph Rose was 
killed on the forecastle. I could now perceive confusion on 
board the Finch, when wishing to avoid the incessant and well 
directed fire of the Preble she endeavored to go about but 
failed, which gave me a chance, and I did not miss it, of raking 
her. At this instant 4 galleys were coming down on my 
weather bow within grape distance with a visible intention of 
boarding me and which the officers commanding those galleys 
have since assured me when I was down to the lines with the 
flag of truce was actually their intention and that " in five min- 
utes they would have been along side of me ", which is the fact, 
to prevent which, as each galley had more men than my whole 
crew, I thought it best, with the concurrence of all my officers, 
to get under way, more especially as my having been obliged to 
slip one of my cables when the Saratoga drifted on board of me 
in consequence of the sudden shift of the wind from south to 
north the preceding evening which occasioned me to be so far 
to leeward that no assistance could be afforded me from any of 
the rest of the squadron. I accordingly cut my cable and 
wore round under my jib toward the Finch, who at the same 
time wore from me and stood out of the bay. In the act of 
wearing I manned my larboard broadside and gave the galleys 
its contents of grape, which, from their short distance from me, 
must have had good effect. At this time Sailing Master 
Rogers Carter was severely wounded with a grape shot from 
one of them, of which he has since died. I then got my main- 
sail on her and brought her by the wind, the galleys pursuing 
me closely and firing immense quantities of grape, which for- 
tunately being directed too high did no other damage than 
cut my sails very much. I made one stretch in shore, then 
stood off. In the mean time the galleys had left me to assist 
the Finch, who I afterwards understood was aground. 
Whether she was got there accidentally or purposely I will not 
pretend to assert. After the ship Confiance had struck and 



284 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

the galleys left the vicinity of the Finch, who had her colours 
still flying, I prepared for lying alongside of her and bore up 
for that purpose, which she, perceiving, struck her flag. I 
still stood down for her and discovered she was ashore. She 
has 4 nine pound shot below the surface of the water which 
impresses me very forcibly with the opinion that she was in a 
sinking condition when she grounded. The Preble I have the 
pleasure to state is not materially injured. She has got 2 
eighteen pound shot through her hull about a foot from the 
water; her larboard wales considerably started; 1 eighteen 
pound shot lodged in her stern, having carried away the head 
knees and shattered the stern ; one 24 lb shot through her quar- 
ter bulwarks & the dents of two 18 lb shot from the Finch's 
columbiads. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your mo obt st 

Chas. A. Budd. 
Commodore T. Macdonough. 



MACDONOUGH TO BRIGADIER GENERAL MACOMB 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, off Plattsburg, 
September 13, 1814. 

Dear Sir; Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Capt. White 
Youngs and a list of killed and wounded attached to his com- 
mand. 

I beg leave to recommend Capt. Youngs to your particular 
notice. During the action his conduct was such as to meet 
with my warmest approbation. I feel much indebted to him 
for his personal valor and example of coolness and intrepidity 
to his own men as well as to the sailors. He volunteered in a 
sinking boat to carry my order to the galleys for close action 
in the hottest part of it and supplied the guns with his men as 
fast as the sailors were disabled. 

I am with much respect and esteem, your obedient servant, 

T. Macdonough. 
Brig. Gen. Macomb, of U. S. Army. 



APPENDIX 285 

CAPTAIN YOUNGS TO MACDONOUGH 

[Copy of letter referred to] 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, Lake Champlain, 
September 12, 18 14. 

Sir; I have the honor of enclosing to you a list of killed 
and wounded troops of the line (acting marines on board the 
squadron, Lake Champlain) in the action of the nth instant. 

In attempting to do justice to the brave officers and men I 
have the honor to command, my feeble abilities fall far short 
of my wishes. First Lieut. Morrison, 33rd infantry, stationed 
on board the U. S. brig Eagle, was wounded but remained on 
deck during the action, animating his men by his honorable 
conduct. Second Lieut. James Young, 6th infantry, on board 
the U. S. schooner Ticonderoga, merits my warmest thanks. 
I would particularly recommend him to your notice. Second 
Lieut. William B. Howell, 15th infantry, in the U. S. ship Sara- 
toga, rendered me every assistance. Notwithstanding his 
having been confined for ten days of a fever, yet, at the com- 
mencement of the action, he was found on deck and continued 
until the enemy had struck, when he was borne to his bed. I 
would also recommend him to your notice. 

The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and privates 
was so highly honorable to their country and themselves it 
would be superfluous to particularize them. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

White Youngs, 
Capt. 15th Inf. com'ing detach, 
of acting marines. 
Com. T. Macdonough. 

D 

The Burlington (Vt.) Centinel of September 16, 1814, 
says: " The following account of the force and loss on 
board the British and American fleets was received by a 
gentleman in this place directly from Com. Macdon- 
ough and put on paper on the spot and may be relied 



286 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



on as correct so far as his indefatigable attention to the 
wounded and the burial of the dead and the fidelity of 
the British officers have enabled him to ascertain the 
facts." 



British 



Large ship 

Brig 

Sloop 

Sloop 

ii gunboats 



Guns 

37 
16 
ii 
ii 
16 



Men 
300 
I20 

40 
40 

55° 



Killed 

5° 
20 

6 

8 



Wounded 
60 

3° 
IO 

IO 



Two probably sunk 





91 1,050 


84 


no 




American 






Saratoga 

Eagle 

Ticonderoga 

Preble 

10 gunboats 


Guns Men 
26 2IO 
20 120 
17 no 

7 30 
16 350 


Killed 
26 

13 

6 

1 

3 


Wounded 

3° 

27 

6 

1 

3 



86 



820 



49 



67 



E 



SIR JAMES LUCAS YEO TO J. W. CROKER 

" Copy of a letter from Com. Sir J. L. Yeo, com- 
mander-in-chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels on 
the lakes of Canada, to J. W. Croker, Esq., dated on 
board his Majesty's ship St. Lawrence, at Kingston, 
24th Sept." 

Sir; I have the honor to transmit, for the information of 
the lords commissioners of the admiralty, a copy of a letter 
from Captain Pring, late commander of his Majesty's brig 
Linnet. It appears to me, and I have good reason to believe, 



APPENDIX 287 

that Capt. Downie was urged, and his ship hurried into action 
before she was in a fit state to meet the enemy. I am also of 
opinion that there was not the least necessity for our squadron 
giving the enemy such decided advantages by going into their 
bay to engage them; even had they been successful, it would 
not in the least have assisted the troops in storming the bat- 
teries — whereas, had our troops taken their batteries first, it 
would have obliged the enemy's squadron to quit the bay and 
given our's a fair chance. 

I have the honor, &c. 

James Lucas Yeo, 
Commodore and Commander-in-chief. 

CAPTAIN PRING TO SIR JAMES LUCAS YEO 

[Copy of letter referred to] 

U. States Ship Saratoga, Plattsburg Bay, 
Lake Champlain, Sept. 12, 1814. 

Sir; The painful task of making you acquainted with the 
circumstances attending the capture of his Majesty's squadron, 
yesterday, by that of the American, under Commodore Mac- 
donough, it grieves me to state, becomes my duty to perform, 
from the ever-to-be-lamented loss of that worthy and gallant 
officer, Capt. Downie, who unfortunately fell early in the 
action. 

In consequence of the earnest solicitation of his Excellency 
Sir George Prevost for the co-operation of the naval force on 
this lake to attack that of the enemy, who were placed for the 
support of their works at Plattsburg, which he proposed 
should be stormed by the troops at the same moment the 
naval action should commence in the bay, every possible exer- 
tion was used to accelerate the armament of the new ship that 
the military movements might not be postponed at such an 
advanced season of the year longer than was absolutely neces- 
sary. On the 3d inst. I was directed to proceed in command 
of the flotilla of gunboats to protect the left flank of our army 
advancing towards Plattsburg; and on the following day, 
after taking possession and parolling the militia of Isle La 



2 88 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

Motte, I caused a battery of 3 long 18 pounder guns to be con- 
structed for the support of our position abreast of Little Chazy, 
where the supplies for the army were ordered to be landed. 

The fleet came up on the 3d inst. but for want of stores for the 
equipment of the guns, could not move forward until the nth. 
At daylight we weighed, and at 7 were in full view of the 
enemy's fleet, consisting of a ship, brig, schooner, and 1 sloop, 
moored in line abreast of their encampment, with a division 
of 5 gunboats on each flank. At 40 minutes past 7, after the 
officers commanding vessels and the flotilla had received 
their final instructions as to the plan of attack, we made sail 
in order of battle. Capt. Downie had determined on laying 
his ship athwart-hawse of the enemy's, directing Lieut. McGhie, 
of the Chub, to support me in the Linnet in engaging the brig 
to the right, and Lt. Hicks, of the Finch, with the flotilla of 
gunboats, to attack the schooner and sloop on the left of the 
enemy's line. 

At 8 the enemy's gunboats and smaller vessels commenced 
a heavy and galling fire on our line. At 10 minutes after 8 the 
Confiance, having 2 anchors shot away from her larboard bow, 
and the wind baffling, was obliged to anchor (though not in the 
situation proposed) within two cables length of her adversary. 
The Linnet and Chub soon afterwards took their allotted 
stations, something short of that distance, when the crews 
on both sides cheered and commenced a spirited and close 
action. A short time, however, deprived me of the valuable 
services of Lt. McGhie, who, from having his cables, bowsprit 
and mainboom shot away, drifted within the enemy's line 
and was obliged to surrender. 

From the light airs and smoothness of the water, the fire on 
each side proved very destructive from the commencement of 
the engagement, and, with the exception of the brig, that of 
the enemy appeared united against the Confiance. After two 
hours severe conflict with our opponent she cut her cable, run 
down and took shelter between the ship and schooner, which 
enabled us to direct our fire against the division of the enemy's 
gunboats and ship, which had so long annoyed us during our 
close engagement with the brig without any return on our 



APPENDIX 289 

part. At this time the fire of the enemy's ship slackened con- 
siderably, having several of her guns dismounted, when she 
cut her cable and winded her larboard broadside to bear on the 
Confiance, who, in vain, endeavored to effect the same opera- 
tion. At 33 minutes after 10 I was much distressed to 
observe that the Confiance struck her colors. The whole atten- 
tion of the enemy's force then became directed towards the 
Linnet. The shattered and disabled state of the masts, sails, 
rigging and yards precluded the most distant hope of being 
able to effect an escape by cutting the cable. The result of 
doing so must in a few minutes have been her drifting along side 
the enemy's vessels, close under our lee; but in the hope the 
flotilla of gunboats, who had abandoned the object assigned 
them, would perceive our wants and come to our assistance, 
which would afford a reasonable prospect of being towed clear, 
I determined to resist the then destructive cannonading of the 
whole of the enemy's fleet, and at the same time despatched 
Lt. H. Drew to ascertain the state of the Confiance. At 45 
minutes after 10 I was apprised of the irreparable loss she had 
sustained by the death of her brave commander (whose merits 
it would be presumptuous in me to extol) as well as the great 
slaughter which had taken place on board, and observing from 
the manoeuvres of the flotilla that I could enjoy no further 
expectations of relief, the situation of my gallant comrades, 
who had so nobly fought and even now fast falling by my side, 
demanded the surrender of his Majesty's brig entrusted to my 
command to prevent a useless waste of valuable lives, and, 
at the request of the surviving officers and men, I gave the 
painful orders for the colors to be struck. 

Lieut. Hicks, of the Finch, had the mortification to strike on 
a reef of rocks to the eastward of Crab Island about the middle 
of the engagement, which prevented his rendering that as- 
sistance to the squadron that might, from an officer of such 
ability, have been expected. 

The misfortune which this day befell us by capture will, sir, 
I trust, apologize for the lengthy detail which, in justice to the 
sufferers, I have deemed necessary to give of the particulars 
which led to it; and when it is taken into consideration that 



290 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

the Confiance was 16 days before on the stocks, with an unor- 
ganized crew composed of several drafts of men who had re- 
cently arrived from different ships at Quebec, many of whom 
only joined the day before and were totally unknown either 
to the officers or to each other, with the want of gunlocks as 
well as other necessary appointments not to be procured in 
this country, I trust you will feel satisfied of the decided ad- 
vantage the enemy possessed, exclusive of their great supe- 
riority in point of force, a comparative statement of which I 
have the honor to annex. It now becomes the most pleasing 
part of my duty to notice to you the determined skill and 
bravery of the officers and men in this unequal contest; but 
it grieves me to state that the loss sustained in maintaining it 
has been so great; that of the enemy, I understand, amounts 
to something more than the same number. 

The fine style in which Capt. Downie conducted the squad- 
ron into action, amidst a tremendous fire, without returning 
a shot until secured, reflects the greatest credit to his memory 
for his judgment and coolness as also on Lieuts. McGhie and 
Hicks for so strictly attending to his example and instructions. 
Their own accounts of the capture of their respective ves- 
sels, as well as that of Lt. Robertson, who succeeded to the 
command of the Confiance, will, I feel assured, do ample justice 
to the merits of the officers and men serving under their imme- 
diate command; but I cannot omit noticing the individual 
conduct of Lieuts. Robertson, Creswick and Hornby, and Mr. 
Bryden, master, for their particular exertion in endeavoring 
to bring the Confiance's larboard side to bear on the enemy 
after most of their guns were dismounted on the other. 

It is impossible for me to express to you my admiration of 
the officers and crew serving under my personal orders. Their 
coolness and steadiness, the effect of which was proved by 
their irresistible fire directed towards the brig opposed to us, 
claims my warmest acknowledgments, but more particularly 
for preserving the same so long after the whole strength of the 
enemy had been directed against the Linnet alone. My first 
lieutenant, Mr. William Drew, whose merits I have before had 
the honor to report to you, behaved on this occasion in the 
most exemplary manner. 



APPENDIX 291 

By the death of Mr. Paul, acting second lieutenant, the serv- 
ice has been deprived of a most valuable and brave officer ; he 
fell early in the action. Great credit is due to Mr. Giles, 
purser, for volunteering his services on deck; to Mr. Mitchell, 
surgeon, for the skill he evinced in performing some amputa- 
tions required at the moment, as well as his great attention to 
the wounded during the action, at the close of which the water 
was nearly a foot above the lower deck from the number of 
shot which struck her between wind and water. I have to 
regret the loss of the boatswain, Mr. Jackson, who was killed 
a few minutes before the action terminated. The assistance 
I received from Mr. Mickel, the gunner, and also from Mr. 
Clark, master's mate, Messrs. Toorke and Sinclair, midshipmen, 
the latter of whom was wounded in the head, and Mr. Guy, my 
clerk, will, I hope, recommend them, as well as the whole of 
my gallant little crew, to your notice. I have much satisfac- 
tion in making you acquainted with the humane treatment 
the wounded have received from Commodore Macdonough. 
They were immediately removed to his own hospital on Crab 
Island and were furnished with every requisite. His generous 
and polite attention also, to myself, officers and men, will ever 
hereafter be gratefully remembered. 

I have, &c. 

Dan. Pring. 



On August 28, 181 5, a court martial was held on 
board the Gladiator at Portsmouth, England, in con- 
nection with the defeat of the British squadron on 
Lake Champlain September 11, 1814, and the following 
verdict was pronounced: 

The court having maturely weighed the evidence is of 
the opinion that the capture of H. M. S. Confiance and the 
remainder of the squadron by the American squadron was 
principally caused by the British squadron having been urged 
into battle previous to its being in a proper state to meet the 



292 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

enemy, by the promised co-operation of the land forces not 
being carried into effect, and by the pressing letters of their 
commander-in-chief, whereby it appears that he had on the 
10th of September, 181 4, only waited for the naval attack to 
storm the enemy's works. That the signal of the approach 
on the following day was made by the scaling of the guns as 
settled between Captain Downie and Major Coote, and the 
promised co-operation was communicated to the other officers 
and crews of the British squadron before the commencement 
of the action. 

The court, however, is of opinion that the attack would 
have been attended with more effect if a part of the gunboats 
had not withdrawn themselves from the action and others of 
the vessels had not been prevented by baffling winds from 
getting into the stations assigned them. That Captain Pring 
of the Linnet, and Lieutenant Robertson, who succeeded to 
the command of the Confiance after the lamented fate of 
Captain Downie (whose conduct was marked by the greatest 
valour), and Lieutenant Christopher James Bell, command- 
ing the Murray, and Mr. James Robertson, commanding 
the Beresford, gunboats, who appeared to take their trial at 
this court martial, conducted themselves with great zeal, 
bravery and ability during the action; that Lieutenant Wil- 
liam Hicks, commanding the Finch, also conducted himself 
with becoming bravery ; that the other surviving officers and 
ship's crew, except Lieutenant McGhie of the Chub who has 
not appeared here to take his trial, also conducted them- 
selves with bravery; and that Captain Pring, Lieutenant 
Robertson, Lieutenant Hicks, Lieutenant Bell, and Mr. James 
Robertson, and the rest of the surviving officers and ship's 
company, except Lieutenant McGhie, ought to be most 
honourably acquitted, and they are hereby most honourably 
acquitted accordingly. 

On September 18, 1815, Lieutenant McGhie was 
tried and the verdict was: " The court, having heard 
the circumstances, determines that the Chub was not 



APPENDIX 293 

properly carried into action nor anchored so as to do 
the most effectual service ; by which neglect she drifted 
into the line of the enemy. That it did not appear, 
however, that there was any want of courage in Lieut- 
enant McGhie and therefore the court does only ad- 
judge him to be severely reprimanded." 



Charges preferred by Sir James Lucas Yeo against 
Sir George Prevost. 

1. For having, on or about the nth of September, 1814, by 
holding out the expectation of a co-operation of the army 
under his command, induced Captain Downie, late of his 
Majesty's ship Confiance, to attack the American squadron 
on Lake Champlain when it was highly imprudent to make 
such attack without the co-operation of the land forces, and 
for not having afforded that co-operation. 

2. For not having stormed the American works on shore 
at nearly the same time that the said naval action commenced, 
as he had given Captain Downie reason to expect. 

3. For having disregarded the signal for co-operation which 
had been previously agreed upon. 

4. For not having attacked the enemy on shore either dur- 
ing the said naval action or after it was ended, whereby his 
Majesty's naval squadron under the command of Captain 
Downie might have been saved. 



*-s j 



H 

MIDSHIPMAN LEA TO HIS BROTHER 

General Hospital, Isle Aux Noix, Sept. 21. 
Dear Brother; While we lay at Brandy Pots, hearing that 
Captain Downie had a command on Lake Ontario, I volun- 
teered my services for that place, and I embarked on board 
a brig, together with 48 seamen and 14 marines, with orders 
to proceed and join the fleet with all possible despatch. We 



294 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

went to Montreal in the brig, and from that place I took open 
boats for the remainder of our passage, which was nine days. 
The passage' from Montreal upwards was awfully grand. The 
immense cataracts or rapids of water, which we had to haul the 
open boats through, at once strike terror in the mind of every 
person who had never before witnessed it, but we arrived 
safe, when I made myself known to Captain Downie, who was 
very glad to see me and took me into his own ship, the Mon- 
treal. I remained here about seven days, when Captain 
Downie received an order to go down to Lake Champlain and 
there take command of the fleet, on which he and myself pro- 
ceeded to the place, where he hoisted his broad pendant, as 
commander of the lake, on board the Confiance, which was 
not complete when we got here. Captain Downie gave me 
command of his Majesty's cutter Icicle, which I held until we 
had completed the ship, when I joined her, and we immediately 
sailed in quest of the Yankee fleet, which on Sunday, the nth 
of September, we descried lying off Plattsburg, with springs 
on their cables and all in line of battle, ready to receive us. 
At nine, a.m. (just after breakfast) we beat to quarters; at 
half past 9 made signal to our fleet to form the line of battle ; 
at 40 minutes after 9 run down alongside the Yankee com- 
modore's ship and came to anchor, when the action com- 
menced by a vigorous cannonade of all the Yankee fleet on 
our ship, which we immediately returned. A little before 10 
o'clock the action was general, and kept up with the greatest 
spirit until 25 minutes after noon, when our spring and rudder 
being shot away, all our masts, yards and sails so shattered 
that one looked like so many bunches of matches, and the 
other like a bundle of old rags. The captain was killed about 
ten minutes after the action commenced, and not above five 
men but what were killed or wounded, and her hull like a rid- 
dle. As she was foundering very fast, we were necessitated, 
though with the greatest reluctance, to strike to the enemy. 
About 15 minutes before we struck, I received a wound from a 
grape shot, which, after striking my foot, passed through the 
palm of my left hand. My fingers are very much shattered. 
The enemy immediately took possession of us and we were 



APPENDIX 295 

sent on shore to the hospital, where we lay two days, when we 
were sent down here on our parole. The havoc on both sides 
is dreadful. I don't think there are more than five of our men 
out of 300 but what are killed or wounded. Never was a 
shower of hail so thick as the shot whistling about our ears. 
Were you to see my jacket, waistcoat, trousers and hat, you 
would be astonished how I escaped as I did, for they are liter- 
ally torn all to rags with shot and splinters. The upper part 
of my hat was also shot away. There is one of our marines 
who was in the Trafalgar action with Lord Nelson, who says it 
was a mere flea-bite in comparison with this. At the time 
we attacked the shipping, our army made an attack on the 
town, and were in the act of scaling the walls when Sir George 
Prevost sounded the retreat. 

I 

ANDREW WILLIAM COCHRAN, ACTING DEPUTY 

JUDGE ADVOCATE TO THE BRITISH FORCES, TO 

MACDONOUGH 
[Duplicate] Quebec, 22nd March, 1815. 

Sir; The events at Plattsburg on the nth September 
last being about to become the subject of investigation in 
England and the presence of his Excellency Sir George Pre- 
vost being required there, he has left to me, as a professional 
person, the task of collecting and arranging such evidence as 
is to be procured in this country and may appear to me to be 
useful on the occasion. 

Using my own discretion, I consider it highly desirable that 
the position occupied by the squadron under your command 
on the nth Sept. should be correctly ascertained, and I there- 
fore take the liberty of addressing you to request that you 
will do me the favour to furnish me with the respectable and 
conclusive authority which your answer will give me on the 
following points: 

Whether the vessels under your command were or were not 
at the time of the engagement, within shot of the works at 
Plattsburg or of any and which of them ; 



296 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

And also whether, after the action closed, any obstacle existed 
either from the damage you had sustained or from the direc- 
tion of the wind to prevent your moving your fleet from the 
position it did occupy during the action. 

You will oblige me much by an early reply to this com- 
munication. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedt. humble 

servant, 

Andrew Wm. Cochran, 

Acting Deputy Judge Advocate to the Forces. 

Commodore Macdonough, 

U. S. Navy. 



MACDONOUGH TO ANDREW WILLIAM COCHRAN 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dupli- 
cate of the 22nd March and in reply thereto inform you that 
the communication I made to the Honorable Secretary of the 
Navy dated September 13, 1814, and since published, copy of 
which I send you, contains all the facts which I considered of 
any importance relating to the events at Plattsburg referred to 
in your letter. Delicacy in regard to my own government as 
well as the manifest impropriety of my becoming a party in 
the contest between two officers of a nation so situated as 
Great Britain has been with the United States should ever 
prevent my entering into further details in writing without 
the consent of the Secretary of the Navy. While in New York 
I was drawn into a conversation by Sir James on the events 
of the battle. To that conversation, therefore, and the 
enclosed copy, I beg leave to refer you for the information 
you desire. 

K 

CADWALLADER R. COLDEN TO MACDONOUGH 

New York, June 26th, 181 5. 

Dear Sir; On or about the 26th of last month I took the 

liberty of addressing you a letter at Washington upon a subject 



APPENDIX 297 

tho', not of importance to myself, may very materially affect 
the person in whose behalf the information was requested. 
I at the same time wrote to Major General Macomb a similar 
letter and have received from him a polite and satisfactory 
answer. Having since had occasion to visit this city, have 
had some interesting conversation with the General (with 
whom I have been long acquainted). I much regret your 
having left New York a few days previous to my arrival. 
Annexed I forward a copy of my letter of the 26th ulto. and 
ask the favor of you to transmit me a reply with as little delay 
as your convenience will admit of. 

Be pleased to address me to the care of Joseph Hanmann, 
merchant, New York, if your letter has the prospect of reach- 
ing this city by the 1st or 2nd of July, after which I shall 
leave this for my residence, Lansingburgh, county of Rens- 
selaer, New York, by which address letters will find me. 

With sentiments of great esteem and regard, I remain, dear 
sir, your obedt. servt., 

Cadr. R. Colden. 

CADWALLADER R. COLDEN TO MACDONOUGH 
[Copy of letter referred to] 

Lansingburgh, Rensselaer County, 

N. York, May 26th, 1815. 

Dear Sir; I take the liberty of asking your opinion as to 
the distance the American squadron under your command 
was moored from the forts at Plattsburg during the action 
between the fleets on the nth September, 1814. This ques- 
tion involves matter of moment, not as respects yourself or 
Gen. Macomb, but bears with great interest upon another 
quarter. I have been urged by a friend to ascertain from you 
such specific and positive information touching this question 
of distance as you may condescend to give. 

It would be all important to learn that the American squad- 
ron were, during the contest, beyond the effectual range of the 
batteries. I have learned by report that such was the case, 
you having taken that precautionary step fearing the forts 



298 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 



might change masters. I could wish this letter considered 
confidential, yet am ready to enter into any further explana- 
tion should it be deemed necessary. Your communication 
will be received by me with much interest, and heartfelt 
gratitude by those whom it may materially affect and whom 
I trust it is in your power to serve. 

I have the honor to remain your obedt servt 

Cadr. R. Colden. 

N. B. The above may differ from the original a few words 
tho' not in substance; not having the original by me write 
from a copy of a similar letter to Gen. Macomb and memory. 
The General is decidedly of opinion that the fleet was beyond 
the effectual range of his batteries, and being fully apprised 
of the purpose for which the inquiry is made seems desirous 
to afford the information wanted. 

CADWALLADER R. COLDEN TO MACDONOUGH 
Lansingburgh, County of Rensselaer, 
State of New York, July 17th, 1815. 
Dear Sir; Your polite letter of the 3rd instant has been 
received, for which permit me to offer you my sincere thanks. 
It has been forwarded to whom it most materially concerns 
and will be very acceptable, as a handle, I am led to believe, 
was intended to be made of this question of distance. Gen- 
eral Macomb concurs with you (unless it can be supposed the 
batteries could have effect at the distance of one mile and a 
half). I must now ask you to pardon the further liberty I 
am going to take in requesting you to forward me a duplicate 
of your letter. Fearing you may not have kept a copy of it, 
I send you one on the annexed half sheet. Under many obli- 
gations I remain, 

Respectfully your obedt. servt, 

Cadr. R. Colden. 

MACDONOUGH TO CADWALLADER R. COLDEN 
[Copy of letter referred to] 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 
July 3rd, 181 5. 
Dear Sir; Your letter of the 26th ultimo came to hand 



APPENDIX 299 

yesterday. The letter you addressed to me at Washington 
has not been received or it assuredly would have been at- 
tended to. In reply to yours of the 26th ulto. it is my opinion 
that our squadron was anchored one mile and a half from the 
batteries at Plattsburg during the contest between it and the 
British squadron on the nth Sept., 1814. 
I am with much respect, your obedt servt, 

T. Macdonough. 
Cadr. R. Colden, Esq., 
Lansingburgh. 

L 

Resolution expressive of the sense of Congress of the 
gallant conduct of Captain Thomas Macdonough, the 
officers, seamen, marines, and infantry serving as ma- 
rines, on board the United States squadron on Lake 
Champlain. 

That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, 
presented to Captain Thomas Macdonough, and, through him, 
to the officers, petty officers, seamen, marines, and infantry 
serving as marines, attached to the squadron under his com- 
mand, for the decisive and splendid victory gained on Lake 
Champlain en the eleventh of September, in the year one 
thousand eight hundred and fourteen, over a British squadron 
of superior force. 

That the President of the United States be requested to 
cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action 
between the two squadrons, and to present them to Captain 
Macdonough and Captain Robert Henley, and also to Lieu- 
tenant Stephen Cassin, in such manner as maybe most hon- 
orable to them; and that the President be further requested 
to present a silver medal, with suitable emblems and devices, 
to each of the commissioned officers of the navy and army 
serving on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and 
sailing masters, who so nobly distinguished themselves in 
that memorable conflict. 



300 LIFE OF COMMODORE THOMAS MACDONOUGH 

That the President of the United States be requested to 
present a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to the 
nearest male relative of Lieutenant Peter Gamble and of Lieu- 
tenant John Stansbury, and to communicate to them the deep 
regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant men 
whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection of a 
grateful country. 

That three months' pay be allowed, exclusively of the com- 
mon allowance, to all petty officers, seamen, marines, and 
infantry serving as marines, who so gloriously supported the 
honor of the American flag on that memorable day. 

October 20, 1814. 



INDEX 



INDEX OF PERSONS 



Abbot, Midshipman, 150 

Joel, 223, 230 
Adams, John, 20, 35, 47, 272 
Aire, Midshipman, 275 
Alexander, Emperor, 235 
Algiers, Deyof, ^3< 47. 48 
Algonquin, 106 
Allen, William C, 273 

William H., 133 
Anderson, Alexander, 186 

James, 12 

Joseph, 12 

Thomas O., 66, 68 
Angus, Samuel, 220 
Anwright, Thomas, 272 
Arbuthnot, Captain, 214 
Armstrong, Charles W., 248 

William M., 248 
Arnold, Benedict, 107 

Joseph, 248 
Arnot, Mrs., 212 
Atkinson, John, 273 

Bainbridge, Joseph, 64, 66, 68, 74, 
76, 132, 213 

William, 23, 48, 50, 58-60, 63, 
93, 101-103, 112, 120, 121, 
194, 229 
Baldwin, James M., 208, 269, 271 

Russell, 230, 245 
Ballard, H. C, 236, 237, 243 

Henry E., 90 
Bancroft, Sailing Master, 162, 173 
Barbary Powers, 24, 31, 236 
Barbary States, 47, 49 
Barclay, Robert Heriot, 108, 133 

Thomas, 47 
Barlow, James, 272 
Barnhouse, Augustus, 249 
Barron, James, 50, 51, 94 

Joseph, 271 

Joseph, Jr., 113 

Samuel, 50, 79, 83, 84 
Bathurst, Earl, 166, 199 
Baynes, Adjutant General, 186 
Beale, George, Jr., 162, 163, 20S, 
269, 270, 275 

Lloyd, 132 
Bell, Charles H., 231 

Christopher James, 292 
Benedick, 104 



Benjamin, Park, 52 
Bennett, A. J., 230 

David, 271 
Beresford, Captain, 112 
Bernard, Simon, 30 
Biddle, James, 53, 60, 132, 133, 221 
Binney, Amos, 120 
Blaine, Ephraim R., 53 
Blake, Joshua, 74, 76 
Blakely, Johnston, 132, 214 
Bleeker, Anthony, 132 
Blodget, Samuel G., 53 
Bloomfield, Joseph, 26, 205 
Blythe, Captain, 133 
Boden, William, 208 
Bogue, H. P., 185 
Boice, Purnall, 273 
Bondell, Midshipman, 275 
Bourne, Benjamin F., 237 
Boyce, Lieutenant, 222 
Boyd, Walter, 64 
Brace, Jonathan, 227 
Brandt, Richard B., 53 
Breese, Francis T., 192, 273 

S. L., 162, 195 
Brickel, William, 271 
Briggs, T. P., 191, 192, 208 
Brine, Captain, 214 
Broke, Captain, 133 
Brooks, Lieutenant, 102 
Brown, A., 214 

General, 243 

N., 214 
Browne, 136, 138 
Brownell, Thomas C, 254, 255 
Brum, Philip, 208, 269 
Bryden, Sailing Master, 275, 290 
Buck, Major, 224 
Buckingham, Marquis of , 233 
Buckley, Robert, 192, 273 
Budd, Charles A., 162, i8o : 101. 195, 
202, 204, 207, 208, 21S, 219, 
282, 284 
Bullus. John, 120, 121 132 
Burrill, Benjamin, 271 
Burrows, William, 133 
Butler, Thomas, 270 



Caldwell, James R., 53, 78, 79 
Calhoun, James E., 249 



3°3 



3°4 



INDEX 



Campbell, George W., 31, 229, 230, 

233. 2 34 

Hugh George, 51 

Mrs., 233 

Sir George, 233 
Cannon, Joseph L., 208 
Carden, Captain, 112 
Carlisle, James, 271 
Carroll, Michael B., 53 
Carter, Rogers, 274, 2S3 
Cassin, George, 271 

Patrick, 273 

Stephen, 29, 130, 136, 142, 162, 
1S1, 190, 191, 195, 243, 267, 
268, 270, 279, 299 
Catalano, Salvatore, 66, 69 
Caton, William, Jr., 201 
Chamberlain, Midshipman, 2S2 

Samuel P., 223 
Champlain, Samuel de, 106 
Chase, George, 258 

Philander, 99, 231, 258, 261 

Philander, Jr., 231 
Chauncey, Isaac, 51, 79, 108, 114, 

115, 119, 126, 133, 171, 209, 

211, 214, 222, 243, 252, 253 
Childs, Lieutenant, 275 
Chittenden, Governor, 130-141, 

210 
Christie, Robert, 119, 151, 170 
Cincinnati, Society of The, 193, 253 
Clark, Master's Mate, 275, 291 

Stephen L., 20S 

Thomas. 75 
Clayton, Governor, 16 
Clinton, Charles, 132 

DeWitt, 132, 209, 215 
Cobb, Ebenezer, 274 
Cochran, Andrew William, 173, 295, 

296 
Colberg, Peter, 272 
Colden, Cadwallader R., 173, 174, 

296—299 
Coleman, John, 271 
Collier, Captain, 213 
Collin, Henry, 273 
Concklin, Zebediah, 273 
Condon, John, 273 
Congress, 13-15, 34-36, 4°, 42, 43. 

45- 58, 67-70, 83, 87, 91, 100, 

133, 163, 193, 195, 222, 260, 299, 

300 
Conover, Thomas A., 162, 230, 245 
Cooper, J. Fenimore, 87, 163, 166, 

16S, 174, 195 
Coote, Major, 292 

CORMAC, 13 

Couch, James, 271 
Cowdery, Jonathan, 60 



Cox, 



-, 276 



John S. H., 59, 60 
Coyle, Jane, 11 
Craig, John N., 273 

Sir James Henry, 119 
Crane, William Montgomery, 78, 

105 
Crary, L. G., 20S 
Creighton, John O., 220 
Creswick, Lieutenant, 275, 290 
Crippen, Thomas, 53 
Croker, J. W., 286 
Cross, James, 230 

Joseph, 248 
Crowly, Charles E., 230 
Crowninshield, C. B., 220 

B. W., 265 
Curtenius, Peter, 132 
Cutbush, Edward, 53 

William, 53, 60 

Dacres, Captain, 105 
Dale, Richard, 45, 50 
Daly, Captain, 170, 184 
Dashwood, Ludlow, 112 

Davidson, , 276 

Davis, Abraham, 270 

Colonel, 29, 142 

John, 66, 68 
Dawson, Henry B., 185 
Day, James, 274 
Dearborn, Henry, 109, in 
Decatur, James, 74, 76 

Stephen, 23, 24 58, 63, 64, 66- 

71, 74-80, 112, I33, 221, 222, 

231, 236, 243, 267 
Delaware Historical Society, 51 
Denning, William, 112, 217 
Dennison, Washington, 116, 118 
Dervick, James, 192, 273 
Dickenson, Captain, 221 
Donchada, 11 

DONOCH, 13 

Dorsey, John S., 79 

Dowell, Midshipman, 275 

Downes, John, 90 

Downie, George, 158, 159, 161, 165, 

166, 168, 170, 171, 175-180, 186, 

iSq, 197-199, 263, 279, 287, 2S8, 

290, 292, 293 
Downing, Samuel W., 248 
Douglass, Captain, 221 
Drew, H., 289 

Lieutenant, 275 

William, 290 
Drewry, Lieutenant, 146 
Duer, William A., 224-226, 228 
Dulany, Bladen, 230 
Dulles, Joseph H., 153 



INDEX OF PERSONS 



305 



Duncan, Silas, 161 
Dwight, , 153 

Eaton, William, 49 
Edwards, A. H., 248 
Ellery, Charles, 230 
Frank, 146, 208 
Elliott, Captain, 253 

Elvin, , 276 

Emmons, George F., 87 
Engle, Frederick, 230, 231 
Evans, Samuel, 122, 132, 243 
Everard, Thomas, 122, 123, 125 

Falcon, Captain, 221 
Fenwick, J. R., 132 
Ferdinand, King, 31, 236 
Ferguson, James, 223 
Finch, Captain, 253 

William B., 90 
Fisher, John, 273 

P., 151, 152 
Fitzgerald, Aaron, 273 
Fitzpatrick, Lieutenant, 275 
Five Nations, 106 
Francis II, Emperor, 31, 236 
Frank, Peter, 274 
Freeborn, John, 118, 162 
Fulton, Robert, 132, 214 



Gales, 



-, 66, 68-70 



Gallagher, John, 237 
Gamble, Peter, 179, 185, 195, 269, 
270, 300 

Robert, 60 

William, 189 
Gansevoort, G., 248 
Gary, Robert, 271 
Gibbon, James, 53, 60 
Giles, Purser, 275, 291 
Gill, Thomas, 274 
Glendy, William M., 230 
Glentworth, James B., 249 
Godby, William, 53 
Goldsborough, Charles W., 36 
Goodwin, Major, 224 
Gordon, Captain, 119 

Lieutenant, 236 

William L., 230 
Gore, Sir John, 62, 63 
Goud, Ezekiel, 273 
Gould, Judge, 228 
Graham, Michael, 53, 85, 90 

Midshipman, 195, 269 
Graves, Samuel, 117, 118 
Green, William, 251 
Griswold, Bishop, 231 
Gunn, William, 186 
Guy, , 275, 291 



Hackstaff, Anna (Garr), 246 

Clara, 246 

William G., 246 
Hall, Edward, 54 

James M., 272 

John, 53, 132 
Halsey, James M., 231 
Hamilton, Paul, 95-97, 10 r 
Hammond, John S., 272 
Hampton, Wade, 121, 122, 126, 

128-130, 205 
Hanmann, Joseph, 297 
Hannemon, Earl, 271 
Hanson, Peter, 271 
Harris, Robert, Jr., 230 

William F., 231 
Hartley, John, 192, 273 
Harvie, Jacqueline B., 85, 90 
Harwood, Allen A., 248 

Nicholas, 60 
Haslet, John, 13, 40 
Hawkins, Charles E., 230 
Hayes, Captain, 221 
Hazard, D. V., 162, 208 
Heaton, Joseph, 272 
Heerman, Lewis, 64, 66 
Heidmont, Neil J., 272 
Hemphill, James A , 248 
Henderson, Archibald, 223 
Henley, John D., 133 

Robert, 30, 162, 177, 181, 191— 
193, 195, 268, 270, 278, 279, 
281, 282, 299 
Henry, Bernard, 54, 60, 85, 90 
Herrick, Oliver, 118, 265 
Hicks, William, 166, 184, 275, 288- 

290, 292 
Hilyar, Captain, 213 
Hixon, Samuel C., 231 
Hoban, Edward, 248 
Hoffman, Captain, 253 
Holland, Stephen, 162, 208 
Hollingsworth, John, 271 
Hope, Captain, 221 

Lieutenant, 213 
Hornby, Lieutenant, 290 
Hornsby, Lieutenant, 275 
Howell, William B., 208, 285 
Hubbard, Henry G., 246 
Hubbell, J. C, 180 
Hull, Isaac, 79, 88, 105, 109, 146, 

222, 223, 229 
Hunt, Theodore, 59 



Israel, Joseph, 82 
Izard, George, 141, 145-150, 158, 
i59. 205 
Ralph, 66, 68 



306 



INDEX 



Jackson, , 291 

Benjamin, 272 
Jacques, Gershom B., 53 
James, William, 125, 126, 163, 166- 

168, 174, 185 
Jarvis, , 193 

Joseph R., Jr., 230 
[efferson, Thomas, 45, 47, 83 
[enkins, John T., 248 
[essup, Thomas S., 243 
foHNSON, Charles, 282 

Ebenezer, 271 

Henry, 273 

Jeremiah, 92 

Peter, 271 

William, 53 
Jones, Henry, 273 

Jacob, 53, 59, 112, 133 

John C, 230 

Rev. Mr., 253 

Richard B., 60 

Walter F., 230 

William, 121, 136, 142, 143, 147, 
185, 194, 202, 215, 266, 267, 
269, 281 
Justin, Joshua H., 208, 269 

Kearney, Lawrence, 243 
Kellogg, Lyman, 230 
Keteltas, Samuel, 162, 20S 
Ketter, Joseph, 272 
Kewstra, Midshipman, 275 
King, James, 224 
Kirkwood, Robert, 40 
Krown, Admiral, 235 

Labanoff, Prince, 235 
La Longue Carabine, 107 
Lamb, A., 224 
Lambert, Captain, 112 
Lanman, John, 272 
Laraway, Jacob, 271 
Laroux, Lydia, 13 

Peter, 13 
Latimer, , 20 

George, 15 
Laugharne, Captain, 105 
Lawrence, James, 64, 66, 68, 133, 

228 
Laws, Alexander, 66, 68 
Lawson, Richard H. L., 53, 54 
Lea, Midshipman, 167, 176, 187, 293 
Le Count, William, 273 
Leonard, Captain, 253 
Le Renard Subtil, 107 
Lewis, Edward S., 248 

Thomas, 272 
Lindman, Jacob, 272 



Lindsay, Joseph, 208 
Linholm, Admiral, 234 
Livermore, Samuel, 265 
Livingston, Robert R., 57 
Locke, Admiral, 233 
Loomis, Augustus, 282 

Jairus, 30, 113, 115-119, 208 

Jarvis, 282 

Libbeus, 132 
Lossing, Benson J., 129, 163, 166, 

167, 174 
Lowe, Lieutenant, 119 
Lumly, Captain, 133, 221 
Lyde, Nathaniel, 223 

Macdonough 
MacDonough ■ 
McDonough 

Augustin, n 

Augustus Rodney, 246, 249, 
251-253 

Bridget, 13 

Charles Shaler, 246 

Charlotte Rosella, 246 

Frances Augusta, 246 

Hannah, 19 

Hester, 19 

James, 11-13, 19, 39, 52 

Jane, 19 

!ames Edward Fisher, 246 
ames Thomas, 259 
ohn, 11-13, 19 
oseph, 19 
,ucy Ann, 255 

Lydia, 19, 38, 59, 259, 260 

Mary, 13, 19 

Mary Ann Louisa, 246 

Micah, 13, 39 

Mrs., 112, 146, 250 

Patrick, 13 

Samuel, 19, 259 

Thomas, 11-18, 246 

Thomas Nathaniel, 246 

William Joseph, 246 
Machesney, Midshipman, 282 
Mackenzie, Alexander S., 66, 76 
Maclay, Edgar S., 87 
Macomb, Alexander, 138-141, 145, 

159, 160, 162, 174-176, 197, 199, 

200, 205, 209, 218, 219, 284, 297, 

298 
Macpherson, John, 13, 14 

Lieutenant, 243 
Madison, James, 26, 48, 109 
Mahan, A. T., 171, 174, 177, 197 
Mainwaring, George, 273 
Malony, Thomas, 271 
Manners, Captain, 214 
Manning, Thomas J., 230 



INDEX OF PERSONS 



307 



Maples, Captain, 133 
Marshall, John, 230 

John H., 248 

Robert, 230 
Martin, Surgeon, 276 

Mason, , 229 

Maury, M., 208 

McCabe, Surgeon, 276 

McCarty, John, 249, 273 

McDonald, Randall, 271 

McEwen, 192, 273 

McGhie, James, 166, 184, 275, 288, 

290, 292, 293 
McKenny, John, 192, 273 
McKnight, James, 53, 54 
McLane, Allen, 40 
McMaster, John Bach, 36 
McNiell, Daniel, 57 
McVickar, Frances Brenton, 246 

Mickel, , 276, 291 

Micklan, John, 273 
Millen, Richard D., 248 
Miller, William, 53 
Mitchell, Francis J., 162, 173 

George, 64 

Surgeon, 291 
Mohawk, 106 
Monteath, Walter N., 118 

Walter L., 223, 269 
Montgomery, N. L., 208, 269 
Mooers, John W., 248 
Moore, Edward, 271 

Perkins, 272 

Morgan, , 227 

Morocco, Emperor of, 23, 47, 61, 63 
Morris, Charles, 61-63, 66-68, 132 

Charles V., 230 

Henry W., 248 

Richard H., 248 

Richard V., 51, 57 
Morrison, Lieutenant, 285 
Morse, Intrepid, 258 
Morton, Jacob, 132 

John, 21 
Moylurg, Lord of, n 
Muller, Admiral, 234 
Mullowney, John, 20, 45 
Munson, William C., 141 
Murray, Alexander, 22, 51-53, 55, 
5 6 - 236 
J., 122, 126 



Nagle, James, 272 
Napoleon, Emperor, 157 
Nelson, Admiral, 70, 295 

Andrew, 271 
Newell, Lloyd B., 248 
Newton, William, 272 



Nicholson, Augustus, 231 
Joseph J., 90, 103, 237 
Lieutenant, 231 

Norberry, James, 270 



Oakley, Mary, 246 
Olivier, Hercules, 170, 184 
Osborn, William S., 59 

Otis, , 229 

Ottiwell, John, 271 



Page, Benjamin, Jr., 237 

Octavius A., 85, 90 
Paine, Amasa, 248 
Palmer, Hilda, 246 

Peter S., 143 
Parker, Captain, 221 

Purser, 276 
Parliament, 100, 233 
Parmlee, Andrew, 271 
Parsons, Usher, 231 
Patterson, Daniel T., 53, 60, 250 
Paul, William, 186, 291 
Paulding, Hiram, 166, 167, 181, 

195, 208 
Peake, William, 133 
Pearson, Samuel, 272 
Pennington, Thomas, 260 
Perry, Oliver Hazard, 108, 126, 133, 
146, 200, 205 

Raymond, 269 

Phelps, , 188 

Pigot, Captain, 213 

Platt, Charles T., 180, 195, 208, 230, 

269 
Pope, John, 248 
Popham, W., 132 
Porter, David, 41 

David D., 24, 41, 59, 84, 105, 
213, 222, 243 

John, 90 
Post, Peter, 271 
Preble, Edward, 23, 24, 58, 60-62, 

6 4-74- 77-79. 81-83, 90, 92, 
_, ^S. 236 
President of the U. S., 20, 31, 32, 

34-37. 45. 83, 91, 130, 131, 240, 

252, 300 
Prevost, Sir George, 119, 123, 157- 

159, 161, 166-168, 174, 175, 
177, 197, 199, 200, 218, 287, 293, 
295 

Pring, Daniel, 123, 130, 141-143, 

160, 161, 165, 167, 169, 176, 178, 
183, 184, 186, 188, 197, 275, 279, 
286, 287, 291, 292 

Purdy, Robert, 130 



3 o8 



INDEX 



Rand, Isaac H., 230 
Randolph, Thomas M., 231 
Ratche, Charles, 272 
Rayot, Lieutenant, 184 
Read, George, 40 

G. W., 112 
Record, Daniel, 2Si, 282 
Reid, Benjamin F., 60 
Renshaw, James, 6o, 213 
Ribero, John, 272 
Ridgely, John, 59 
Ripley, Captain, 225 
Roach, Isaac, Jr., 118 
Robb, R. G., 248 
Roberson, John, 271 
Robertson, James, 184, 189, 190, 

275, 290, 292 
Robins, William M., 161, 162, 173, 

208, 223 
Robinson, Captain, 24 

Thomas, 84, 271 
Rodgers, John, 51, 61, 83, 84, 222, 

243. 2 49 
Rodney, Caesar, 15, 16, 22, 40 

Caesar Augustus, 16, 22, 176, 
178, 222, 249 

Thomas, 22 
Rogers, G., 253 
Roosevelt, Theodore, 163, 166, 167, 

174, 195, 263 
Rose, Joseph, 283 
Rowe, John, 66, 68 

Joseph, 274 
Russ, John, 227 

Major, 228 
Rutledge, Rev. Mr., 253, 254 

Sailly, Peter, 135, 137, 139 

Sawyer, Horace B., 118 
Samuel, 273 

Sax, Matthew, 221 

Scriver, Matthew, 192, 273 

Seaton, , 66, 68-70 

Secretary of the Navy, 43, 45, 56, 
65, 67, 70, 71, 74, 79, 90, 93-98, 
100, 108, 120, 121, 127, 130, 131, 
136, 142-145, 147-149, 162, 163, 
182, 185, 192, 193, 201-204, 219, 

220, 229, 241, 245, 247, 251, 252, 
258, 265, 267, 269, 279, 28l, 296 

Secretary of State, 47, 48 
Secretary of War, 35, 128, 150,158 
Sellack, John, 271 
Seymour, Henry, 224 
Shaler, Egbert, 230 

Lucretia Ann (Denning), 11 1 

Lucy Ann, in, 255 

Mrs., 217, 250 

Nathaniel, n 1, 247, 255 



Sharp, John, 273 
Shays, John, 272 
Sheafe, Sir R. H., 126 
Shubrick, Captain, 253 

Surgeon, 132 

William B., 90 

Silsby, , 229 

Simmonds, Master's Mate, 275 
Simond, Lewis, 132 
Sinclair, Midshipman, 291 
Skipwith, Gray, 249 
Sloane, Robert, 237 
Slocum, W. M., 208 
Smart, John, 271 
Smith, Arthur W, 274 

Benjamin, 59 

Brig. General, 148 

Captain, 102 

Edward, 282 

John, 24, 25, 58, 79, 85, 89-91 

Joseph, 26, 223, 230, 231, 272, 
281 

Lieutenant, 195 

Purnall, 271 

Robert, 43, 91, 222 

Samuel, 271 

Sidney, 27, 28, 108, no, 113, 
115, 116, 118-120, 262, 265 

Simon, 60 
Soderstrom, Count, 56 
Somers, Richard, 58, 74, 76, 78-S0, 

82 
Spence, Keith, 53, 60 

Robert P., 53 
Spencer, Lord, 233 

William A., 30, 192, 195, 272, 
281, 282 
Stansbury, John, 1S5, 189,195, 273, 
300 

T. E., 189 
St. Clair, General, 39 
Stellwagon, Daniel S., 162, 173 
Stephens, Thomas, 271 
Sterrett, Andrew, 50, 51 
Steward, James, 272 
Stewart, Andrew, 85 

Charles, 31, 53, 58, 67, 70, 79, 
93, 213, 221, 235-239, 242, 

245 

Stockton, P. A., 248 
Stoddard, Israel, 282 
Stoodley, Nathaniel, 223 
Stratton, Robert, 272 
Swartwout, Samuel, 249 

Tabee, William, 271 
Tache, Sir E. P., 170, 183 
Tangier, Governor of, 60 
Tardy, Henry, 282 



INDEX OF PERSONS 



309 



Tate, Charles, 266 

Tattnall, Josiah, 103, 248, 249 

Taylor, Major, 120 

George, 119 

James, 274 
Terry, General, 228 
Think, Deodrick, 273 
Thompson, C. B., 240 

John, 271 
Thorn, Jonathan, 66, 68, 75, 78 

Robert L., 223 
Thornton, Captain, 29, 142 
Thurber, Captain, 137 
Thwing, Midshipman, 269 

Tierney, , 233 

Timberlake, John B., 249 
Tingey, Thomas, 45, 243 
Todd, Surgeon, 275 
Tompkins, Governor, 144, 157, 209, 
218, 223, 224 

Griffin, 231 
Toorke, Midshipman, 275, 291 
Totten, Joseph G., 137 
Towns, John, 272 
Tripoli, Bashaw of, 4S, 64, 66, 74, 

80, 82 
Trippe, John, 74, 76 
Trumbull, , 228 

John, 26, 118 
Tucker, Captain. 213 
Tunis, Bey of, 48, 84 
Turk, William, 249-251, 254 
Turkey, Sultan of, 48 
Turner, Charles C, 248 

Samuel S., 230 
Tyler, Henry B., 248 

Uncas, 107 

Upshur, George P., 230 
U. S. Military Philosophical 
Society, 132 

Valentine, Joseph, 192, 273 
Vallette, Elie A. F., 150, 170, 185, 

195, 208, 230, 231. 24S, 269 
Vance, John, 18 

Samuel, 18 
Vandermere, Peter, 272 
Vandeursen, William, 89 
Van De Venter, Christopher, 118 
Vanhorn, Jesse, 272 



Van Rensselaer, Solomon, 224 
Stephen, 211 

Wadsworth, Henry, 82 
Wales, Captain, 213 
Walker, William S., 231 
Wallace, John, 272 
Walters, Abraham, 118, 273 
Ward, James H., 196, 248 
Warrington, Lewis, 24, 85, 132, 

213, 222 
Washington, George, 14, 34, 35, 

112, 227 
Watson, Samuel E., 223 
Wellington, Duke of, 157 
Wells, Henry, 223 
Whinyates, Captain, 112 
White, John, 271 
Wilkes, Charles, Jr., 231 
Wilkinson, James, 128, 130, 137- 
141, 15°. 158, 205, 220 
Jesse, 90 
Williams, Jerome, 271 
Jonathan, 132 
Lieutenant, 119 
William, 271 
Williamson, Midshipman, 269 
Wilson, John, 282 
Nace, 272 
Stephen B., 231 
Winder, General, 211 
Winship, James, 272 
Winslow, Samuel, 208 
Winsor, Justin, 35 
Winter, Elisha, 192 
Wolcott, Oliver, 228, 244 
Wood, John, 272 
John H., 90 
Woolsey, Melancthon T, 220, 265 
Wormley, Wallace, 60 
Worthington, Thomas B., 230 
Wyer, William, 270 
Wyman, T. W., 248 

Yeo, Sir James Lucas, 108, 112, 133, 
169, 171, 174, 186, 188, 197, 209, 
214, 286, 287, 293, 296 

Young, James, 285 

Youngs, White, 189, 208, 269,^284, 
z8 5 



INDEX OF PLACES 



Adriatic Sea, 24 

Albany, N. Y., 28, 102, no, 124, 

iSS. x 57> io 3' 2I °- 2II > 22 3. 22 4 
Algeciras Bay, 236, 238 
Algiers, Algeria, 33 _ 35. 4°, 47> 

49- 50. 54. 57.63. 222 
America, ii, 35, 216, 238 
Ancona, Italy, 24, 84 
Ann, Cape, 103 
Ash Island, 148 
Atlantic Ocean, 61, 88 
Austria, 31, 236 

Baltic Sea, 234 

Baltimore, Md., 34, 89 

Basin Harbor, Vt., 108 

Beekmantown, N. Y., 160 

Big Chazy River, 129 

Boston, Mass., 25, 28, 33, 34, 6o, 

90, 94~9 8 ' io 3- I2 °. x 34. !44. 

145, 214, 229, 230, 243 
Bouquet River, 143 
Brandy Pots, 293 
Brazil, 95 

Brooklyn, N. Y., 122, 243 
Burlington, Vt., 26, 28, 104, 106, 

109, in, 113, 120, 121, 123-128, 

i34. 135. r 37. I 39< 141. i4 2 > i45. 
147, 150, 153, 162, 164, 167, 200, 

201, 209, 219, 221, 285 

Cadiz, Spain, 60, 63 

Calcutta, India, 25, 94, 99 

Campeachy, Mexico, 95 

Canada, 27, 29, 106, 108, nr, 125, 

127, 128, 147, 155, 159, 286 
Canada, Lower, 119, 157 
Canary Islands, 25 
Cayuga County, N. Y., 193, 209 
Champlain, N. Y., 116, 118, 129, 

137. x 38. 157. !5 8 . l6 °- 26 5 
Champlain, Lake, 18, 26, 27, 100, 
104, 106-108, 110-112, 119, 121, 
122, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 143, 
146, 152, 153, 155, 157, 158, 163, 
166, 170, 171, 185, 194, 197, 200, 

202, 205—208, an, 2i2, 215, 216, 
218-220, 223-225, 228, 229, 234, 
244, 246, 255, 257, 258, 263, 
265-267, 270, 279, 285, 287, 291, 
293. 2 94. 2 99 



Champlain River, 129 
Charleston, S. C, 25, 90 
Charlestown, Mass., 101, 120, 121, 

221, 229, 232 
Chatham, Conn., 212 
Chazy, N. Y., 129, 137, 140, 148, 

I 5 I > I 53> 158—160, 180, 201, 

221 
Chesapeake Bay, 22, 51, 103, 133, 

2 *3 
Cod, Cape, 234 
Connecticut, 91, 193, 227, 244, 

2 54. 258 
Constantinople, Turkey, 48 
Copenhagen, Denmark, 31, 234 
Corlear's Hook, N. Y., 214 
Cowes, Isle of^Wight, 231, 233, 234 
Crab Island, 172, 173, 180, 185, 188, 

200, 289, 291 
Craft's Island, 203 
Cronstadt, Russia, 229, 232, 234, 

2 35 
Crown Point, N. Y., 107, 158 
Cumberland Bay, 171 
Cumberland Head, 128-130, 149, 

150, 159, 160, 171-173, 175, 176, 

178, 193, 228 

Dead Creek, 135, 160 
De Gatt, Cape, 60, 240 
Delaware, 12-15, J 7> l8 > 20-22, 
38, 40, 77, 84, 88, 99, 193, 249, 

255, 258-260 
Delaware, Capes of, 21, 251 
Delaware River, 14, 250 
Douro, River, 157 
Dover, Del., 14 
Drawyers Creek, 18 
Dublin, Ireland, n 

East Indies, 94, 95 
Ebro River, 157 
Elsineur, Denmark, 31, 234 
England, 18, 25, 31, 87, 89, 100, 

107, 245, 295 
English Channel, 31, 233, 235 
Erie, Lake, 107, 108, 126, 133, 165, 

195, 200, 206, 214, 266 
Essex, N. Y., 141 
Europe, 247 



3li 



312 



INDEX 



France, 25, 34, 37, 40, 45, 46, 52, 
57, 85, 87, 89, 107, 157, 263 

Garonne River, 157 

George, Lake, 153, 157 

Germany, 235 

Ghent, Belgium, 221 

Gibraltar, 22-24, 31. 50, 54, 60, 

61, 63, 85, 235, 239, 240, 249, 

250 
Gibraltar Bay, 239 
Gibraltar, Strait of, 33 
Gravelly Point, 127, 176 
Great Britain, 26, 100, 296 
Greenbush, N. Y., 167, 189, 275 

Hampden, Me., 214 
Hampton Roads, 249 
Harper's Ferry, Va., 91 
Hartford, Conn., 99, 223—228, 231, 

258 
Havana, Cuba, 21, 22 
Henlopen, Cape, 51 
Herculanaeum, Italy, 24 
Hospital Island, 116 
Hudson River, iio, 157, 158 

India, 25, 94, 95, 98 

Ireland, ii 

Isle aux Noix, 27-29, 116, 119, 122 
128-130, 135, 138, 143, 147-151, 
160, 184, 186, 188, 200, 219, 221, 

293 
Isle la Motte, 160, 161, 201, 287 
Italy, 84 

Kennebunk, Me., 103 
Kent Count, Del., 15 
Kildare County, Ireland, 11 
Kingston, Canada, 219, 286 

Lacolle Mill, Canada, 137, 158 
Lacolle River, hi 
Lansingburgh, N. Y., 193, 297-299 
Leghorn, Italy, 53, 54, 240 
Lewes, Del., 14 
Liffey River, ii 
Lisbon, Portugal, 25, 99 
Little Chazy, N. Y., 288 
Liverpool, England, 25, 94, 95 
London, England, 166, 197, 231 
Long Island, N. Y., ii, 12, 14, 91, 93 

Madeira Island, 25 
Maine, 93, 119 
Majorca Island, 54 
Malaga, Spain, 51, 52, 54, 236 
Malta, Island of, 24, 54, 63, 69, 
73. 84 



McDonough, Del., 38 
Mediterranean Sea, 22, 23, 25, 

31-33. 50, 51, 57-59. 72, 85, 
88-90, 92, 195, 229, 231, 235, 
241, 242, 244, 245, 249, 251, 255 

Messina, Sicily, 72, 235, 236 

Mexico, Gulf of, 88 

Middletown, Conn., 25, 32, 38, 88, 
89, 92, 93, 95-97, 99, 100, in, 
112, 210—212, 217, 222, 241, 
243-245' 248, 253, 254, 260 

Middletown, Del., 12, 17, 39 

Montreal, Canada, 107, 128, 152, 
157, 186, 221, 294 

Morocco, 49, 57, 61 

Mount Aetna, Italy, 24 

Naples, Italy, 24, 31, 54, 236-238 

Naples, Bay of, 237 

Needles, 233 

New Castle, Del., 21, 43 

New Castle County, Del., 12, 14- 
16 

New England, 157, 174 

New Hampshire, 119, 298 

New London, Conn., 133, 213 

New Orleans, La., 93 

Newtown, L. I., 11, 12 

New York City, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 
89, 91, 94,98, 109, no, 112, 113, 
120-123, 132, 136, 145, 155, 15S, 
170, 193, 201, 203, 209, 214, 215, 
217, 219, 220, 224, 240-243, 
245, 246, 248, 250-252, 254, 267, 
296, 297 

New York State, 21, 32, 143, 144, 
I 57~ I 59. 193. 200, 202, 209, 211, 
223-229, 253, 297, 298 

Niagara Falls, 32 

Niagara River, 215 

Norfolk, Va., 21, 34 

Norwich, Conn., 93 

Odessa, Del., 17 
Odletown, Canada, 130 
Ontario, Lake, 100, 107, 108, 133, 
147. 158. 165, 171, 214, 219, 293, 
Otter Creek. 29, 130, 134, 135, 139, 

140-143. *46 
Otter River, 29 

Palermo, Sicily, 54, 236 
Panton, Vt., 141 
Passamaquoddy, 90 
Passaro, Cape, 63 
Penobscot River, 214 
Philadelphia, Pa , 21, 22, 33, 34, 
44. 5 1 - 54. 59. 153. 231. 250 



INDEX OF PLACES 



3*3 



109— 
13°. 
i53. 

,185, 

, 201, 
268, 
299 
171. 

. 279. 

152. 



Plattsburg, N. Y., 27, 29, 30, 
in, 114, 122, 126, 127, 129 

1 35> i37-i4i> i45 _I 47. i49 
158—160, 162, 164, 172—175 
189, 190, 192, 194, 197, 200 
208, 218, 219, 223, 267, 
278—282, 284, 287, 294—297 

Plattsburg Bay, 115, 159, 160 
176, 195, 200, 202, 266, 267 
287 

Point au Fer, 116, 148, 151, 
202 

Point au Roche, 149 

Pompeii, Italy, 24 

Portland, Me., 26, 101-104, 112 

Portsmouth, England, 233, 291 

Portsmouth, N. H., 30, 34, 73, 103, 
214, 222. 223, 298 

Portugal, ^^ 

President Ro\ds, 230 

Providence Island, 141 

Quebec, Canada, 13, 14, 32, 118, 
119, 122, 147, 148, 170, 290, 295 

Rensselaer County, N. Y., 297, 

298 
Richelieu River, 107, 108, 115, 

127. 129, 137, 141, 150, 161, 200, 

262 
Rome, Italy, 24 

Rouse's Point, N. Y., 137, 139, 150 
Russia, 31, 229, 231 

Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., 128, 158, 

200, 265 
Saco, Me., 103 
Salmon Leap, Ireland, 11 
Sampson's, N. Y., 160 
Sandy Hook, 248 
Saranac River, 161, 172 
Shelburne, Vt., 27, in, 113 
Shetland Islands, 31, 235 
Sicily, 73 
Sorel, Canada, 135 
Spain, 155 

Spithead, England, 233, 234 
St. Albans, Vt., 164 
St. Albans Head, 233 
St. Domingo, 21 
Sterling, N. Y., 209 
St. George's Hundred, Del., 12, 

13- 18 
St. Helena, Island of, 25 



St. Johns, Canada, 128, 136, 138 
St. Lawrence River, 32 
St. Petersburg, Russia, 31, 235 
Sussex County, Del., 14, 15 
Syracuse, Sicily, 23, 24, 31, 54, 63, 
65- 67, 7°. 7 2 > 73. 83,84, 235 

Tagus River, 157 
Tangier, Morocco, 23, 61 
Teneriffe Island, 25 

TlCONDEROGA, N. Y., 106, 107, 158 

Toulon, France, 54, 70 

Trafalgar, 295 

Trap, Del., 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 38, 39, 

59, 222 
Trieste, Austria, 24, 84 
Tripoli, Tripoli, 22-24, 46, 48-50, 

54-58, 64, 65, 67, 73, 74, 78, 

82-84, 93, 196, 263 
Troy, N. Y., 144, 210, 220 
Tunis, Tunis, 48-50, 54, 57, 73, 85, 

236 

United States, 20—22, 24—26, 31, 

33- 34. 3 6 > 37. 47-So. 57. 79. 83, 
85, 87, 89, 95-97, 99, 100, 106- 
108, 202, 222, 227, 233, 235, 
236, 238, 240, 241, 245, 249, 
262, 296 

Valcour Island, 107 

Venice, Italy, 24, 84 

Verde, Cape, 25 

Vergennes, Vt., 28, 130, 134-136, 

138—144, 146, 150, 204, 282 
Vermont, 108, 139, 141, 159, 188, 

193, 210, 218, 244 
Virginia, 21. 

Washington, D. C, 25, 26, 30, 54, 
59, 89, 91, 94, 95, 101, 102, 136, 
147, 222, 241-243, 296, 299 
Waterloo, Belgium, 155 
West Indies, ii, 21, 22 
Wethersfield, Conn., 224 
Whitehall, N. Y., 26, 106, 109, 
no, 113, 200, 203, 204, 210, 
218, 219, 221 
White Mountains, 26 
White Plains, N. Y., 14 
Wilmington, Del., 12, 14, 51 
Wind Mill Point, 137, 151 

Yale College, 153 






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